HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 2001-03-15 MinutesCITY OF MIAMI
SPECIAL
MEETING
MINUTES
OF MEETING HELD ON MARCH 15, 2001
PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK/CITY HALL
Sylvia Scheider/Acting City Clerk
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CITY COMMISSION OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
On the 15th day of March 2001, the City Commission of Miami, Florida, met at the
Manuel Artime Center, 901 Southwest 1St Street, Miami, Florida, in special session.
The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m. by Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort, with
the following members of the Commission found to be present:
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort (District 1)
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton (District 2)
Commissioner Joe Sanchez (District 3)
Commissioner Tomas Regalado (District 4)
ABSENT:
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr., (District 5)
ALSO PRESENT:
Carlos Gimenez, City Manager
Alejandro Vilarello, City Attorney
Walter J. Foeman, City Clerk
Sylvia Lowman, Assistant City Clerk
An invocation was delivered by Commissioner Sanchez, followed by Commissioner
Winton leading those present in a pledge of allegiance to the flag.
Vice Chairman Gort: Before we go on, I have a request. My understanding is, the
Mayor is about 10 minutes away and he wants to preside in the meeting, today's meeting.
Also, did we get a hold of Commissioner Teele? Did we receive any notification from
Commissioner Teele?
Carlos Gimenez (City Manager): No, sir. I've been -- we've been trying to reach him and
he's been unavailable, you know, throughout the day.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, if I may?
Vice Chairman Gort: Commissioner Sanchez.
1 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Sanchez: I would like to welcome each and every one of you, on behalf
of the City, to Little Havana in the Artime Theater, which is a significant, historical
theater in our community. As you could see, look around you and see what a beautiful
theater this is, and it's a great opportunity to have you here as guests to see what the City
has done to improve our community, and this is one small example. So, on behalf of the
Mayor and the Commission and the City staff, who has done a great job to put the event
together, we welcome you and we hope that you are comfortable and you have a good
time. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, Commissioner Sanchez. My understanding, we have an
agenda. The agenda we're going to follow is the -- we're going to have an outline of a
presentation by the City Manager. We'll have the City of Miami do their stadium
analysis by our consultants. The Community Development agency will make a
presentation also. The City Manager will make his recommendations. They'll be
discussion among ourselves and then we'll open up for the public hearings. .
Vice Chairman Gort: Like Commissioner Sanchez was saying, this is the Artime Theater.
You see what we've done with it.
Commissioner Sanchez: One of our hidden treasures in Little Havana.
Note for the Record: Mayor Carollo arrived in the Artime Theater at 2:17
Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Mayor, I went through the procedure that we're going to be
using. You have one over there.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you.
Mayor Carollo: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Before we begin, I'd like to find
out from staff if they know if Commissioner Teele will be coming?
Mr. Gimenez: We have not been able to contact him today, so I don't have the answer to
your question.
Mayor Carollo: OK. Well, has anyone been able to speak with his office to know if he
will be arriving today or not?
Carlos Gimenez (City Manager): No, sir, we haven't.
Mayor Carollo: OK. I would appreciate it, Mr. Manager, if you could have someone
from your staff contact his chief of staff to see if he will be arriving.
2 March 15, 2001
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir.
Mayor Carollo: In the meantime, we are going to commence, unless I hear that the
Commissioner is on his way, then I'll gladly prolong the meeting a few more minutes.
Commissioner, excuse me. Commissioner?
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Manager, I think we have a problem here.
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, excuse me.
Commissioner Regalado: No. Mr. Mayor, I can't hear -- we can't hear you. We have a
problem. We cannot, on this side, hear you or the Manager.
Mayor Carollo: OK. You cannot hear us over there? OK. Mr. Clerk, you can't hear us
over there?
Walter Foeman (City Clerk): We've asked the communication staff to check it -- to
check the acoustics to see if we can get better clarity.
Mayor Carollo: Well, can you hear me?
Mr. Foeman: I can hear you now, yes.
Mayor Carollo: OK. Well, then, I figure it's just Commissioner Regalado that never
hears me anyway. If we could...
Commissioner Regalado: But we (inaudible).
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, please, let's get down with the Marlins and then you
could deal with anything you want with me one on one.
3 March 15, 2001
Mayor Carollo: I see that we have in the front row Mr. John Henry, the owner of the
Marlins.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: John, if you don't mind, I'd like to begin by giving you the opportunity to
come up to the podium and to address this body, and to say anything that you would like
to say before we begin deliberations.
John Henry: Well, thank you, Mayor. Can everyone hear me? Commissioner, can you...
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Mayor Carollo: We can hear you.
Mr. Henry: Good. I'd like to thank the Commission for allowing me to (inaudible) today
and speak, and particularly want to thank all of you that just applauded. I take that
applause as an applause for the team this year. I think many of you are excited about the
Florida Marlins this year, and about the progress we've made as a franchise, but I really
appreciate your applause. I really don't have a statement to make, other than saying that
we've been at this now for two years. I'm incredibly gratified by the response of the
community, both elected officials, citizens, and personally everybody that I've come into
contact with for the last two years on this issue of where should the ballpark be? I think
everyone in South Florida has asked that question for almost two years now, and,
hopefully, today we will learn where that site -- where the site will be. So, with that
being the case, I really want to take a minute just to thank all of you who have worked so
hard, so diligently for these last few months. We haven't always agreed, perhaps, on
everything. We felt that Bicentennial was the best site for Miami and for the ball club,
but you're certainly in a better position, as Commissioners and leaders in this community
to know the answer to that question than I. So, I'm perfectly willing -- and the club is
perfectly willing to abide by your decision here today and to move forward as a team.
We've -- I think we're doing everything we can to have a situation here in South Florida
where everybody's on the same page with regard to baseball. That's been my agenda
from the very beginning, and so I just want to thank all of you. I know you've worked
hard and I know some of this has been difficult for some of you. It's not easy to take a
position on such controversial issues such as these, but you've done it and I feel that
everyone who has come out with a particular view point on this issue has done so with
the City's best interest at heart, and, frankly, mine as well, and the franchise as well, so
I'm thankful and that's really all I'd like to say at this point.
Mayor Carollo: John, thank you very much.
4 March 15, 2001
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: You know, I know that every one of my fellows colleagues in the City
Commission feels the same way that I do, that we're very happy with the commitment
that you have for Miami; that you want to stadium built in Miami, and for the Marlins to
be named the Miami Marlins.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: There's someone else that's out here that I would like to acknowledge,
and to invite up to the podium so that he could address the Commission before we begin
with the regular items that we have in this discussion, the agenda. Mayor Penelas, would
you like to come up, please?
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Alex Penelas: Mr. Mayor, members of the City Commission, Mr. Manager, Mr.
City Attorney, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon and thank you so very much for the
opportunity to be here to address you, and I intend on staying through your proceedings,
so if you have any other specific questions later, I'll be happy to answer them. I thought
the most appropriate thing I could say right now was to thank each of you for leadership.
I know this has not been an easy decision to make. I was sharing with your Manager just
yesterday how, you know, other major metropolitan areas across the country and cities
have had months, if not over a year, to make important decisions like this, and I know
that the time constraints have been difficult ones, but we appreciate your willingness to
take bold and courageous action and hopefully take it today. As you know, the County
remains willing to be an active partner in the stream that we all have of not only keeping
the Florida Marlins in South Florida, but bringing them to the City of Miami and
converting them into the Miami Marlins. That is a dream we all have and one that --
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Penelas: -- and one that the County strongly supports. I would urge you strongly,
however, today to make a final decision -- and I know it's difficult under the
circumstances -- but in my best judgment, I believe that the best course would be for this
City Commission today to make a decision on a site and to submit that to the state for
approval. As you know, there are several issues that the state must consider if this deal is
going to become a reality and, as Mr. Henry said a few moments ago, I think we need a
consensus. We need a decision that the entire community can rally behind, and if that
happens here today, I've already scheduled a discussion regarding the County's CDT
(Convention Development Tax) commitment for Tuesday. I would hope that the County
would strongly support that then, and then we could squarely send this issue to the state
as early as Wednesday of next week. And I think that's the kind of time that we need to
have them make a final decision. I know there's been a lot of consideration about
multiple sites and I certainly understand and respect the issues and the reasons behind
that recommendation, but my own judgment is that I believe, if we leave here today with
5 March 15, 2001
that recommendation, but my own judgment is that I believe, if we leave here today with
a multiple site decision, the chances of getting the relief that we need at the County, and
for sure at the state, are just not existent. We need to be unified; we need to come out of
here with a decision. The County stands ready to support your decision, and if there's
anything I could do during the course of this hearing to help you with that decision, I'll be
available to do so. Thank you very much for having me.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you very much.
(APPLAUSE)
6 March 15, 2001
Mayor Carollo: We're going to proceed with the outline and presentations by City
Manager Gimenez. I think it would be best to move to that portion of the agenda, and
any statements that this chair will have will be made during the discussion at the end.
Carlos Gimenez (City Manager): Thank you, sir. Mr. Mayor, members of the
Commission. I'd like to really get -- get right down to it. The first item that we'd like to
present is our analysis of stadium sites. This will be done by our lead consultant, Tom
Whitworth, from Legg Mason, and I've got to say that, as far as Legg Mason and the
entire consulting is concerned, I've been very proud to basically have a partnership with
them and our staff and I'm very proud of the job that was done and I'm very happy with
the professionalism, you know, exhibited by everybody on this staff. I think they came
through with flying colors. So, without further ado, I'd like to bring Tom Whitworth up
and we'll start the analysis.
7 March 15, 2001
Thomas Whitworth: Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Manager. Before we begin, I'd
like to take the opportunity to thank the Mayor and the City Commissioners, as well as
the City Attorney, for providing us the opportunity to discuss the findings of our analysis
in a public setting. As you are all aware, we issued our report on Monday, and my
objective this morning or this afternoon will be to cover some of the highlights of those
findings and all of the detail will certainly be addressed in the report itself. Let me begin
by reviewing the project objectives. The major objective, obviously, was to evaluate
eight alternative sites that would potentially serve as the location for the new Marlin
stadium in the city of Florida -- I'm sorry, in the City of Miami. The approach was to
apply various site selection criteria, factoring in costs, timing, impact on the
neighborhood, and then evaluate those sites to define either opportunities or constraints
that would need to be addressed as a result of the inputs received from the consulting
team. The overall goal then was to organize this into some fashion so that we would
position the City Manager to appropriately make his recommendation to the Mayor and
the City Commissioners. Briefly, let me cover for you the consulting team. As you
heard from the Manager, I am with Legg Mason, as is Don Lonergin. We are based in
Philadelphia. We are a mortgage/banking firm with 18 offices, with five here the state of
Florida. We provided two point eight billion dollars ($2.8 billion) in real estate financing
and equity commitments in fiscal year 2000, and the group that we are with focuses
exclusively on the sports side. We've listed some of our clients in December of this past
year. We just closed a ninety million dollar ($90,000,000) funding for the San Antonio
Spurs for their new facility in San Antonio. Bob Dunn and Rob Robinson are here from
the Hammes Company. They're role was to review things like construction budgets; to
help us with site logistics; issues such as the constructability on any given site, whatever
the staging areas that would be required, as well as develop schedules fortunate to have
Spillis Candela as part of the architectural and planning component. Most effectively, I
believe, Mitch Alvarez, Olario Candela were very helpful in advising us as we went
through each individual site. What the actual planning implications would be and, most
importantly -- and you'll get to see some of their work -- the architectural perspectives,
the rendering, the massing really helped us get a very good idea of what a stadium will
look like in eight different locations. The balance of the team is Carl Hersch from
Stafford Sports, who--- national client base of advising sports owners; Jack Osterholt,
who worked with the DRI (Development of Regional Impact) issues; Frederick R. Harris;
we had Oscar Gonzalez and Phil Tokits, who looked at traffic, parking and engineering,
and Craig Clevenger from Evans Environmental, who discussed environmental issues. It
should be noted -- and it will be covered as we move forward -- that at this point in time,
under the timeframe that we had, full environmental analysis could not be achieved.
Instead, what it is that EEG (Evans Environmental Group) did for us is, on the basis of
prior history of the site; provide us some input as to the likelihood that there would be
environmental concerns on any of these sites. The next slide shows what we've viewed
as the subject of our study. This is a program that was provided to us by the Marlins, and
8 March 15, 2001
it involved a facility that would contain 40,000 seats; 60 luxury suites; five premium
seating opportunities; bleacher seats, and some general admission, as well as a 1500 car
parking garage intended to serve the needs of the premium seat holders, and it is
intended, as designed at this point in time, to be a retractable roof so that there would be
natural turf and the ability to air condition the facility. It's interesting to look at the
section diagram at the bottom of this slide that shows you the slab on grade dimensions of
a ballpark. The length of that is about 725 feet. It does not include an additional 40 or 50
feet that is required for circulation. And as it relates to the height of the structure, it is
about 300 feet from grade to the top of the roof. The equivalent of a 25 -story hotel. One
of the things that the Commission discussed is, would this facility be considered state-of-
the-art? And from our perspective as it relates to what the industry standard is, let me
frame some of that by saying that any design that encompasses enhancing the experience
to the fan is considered state-of-the-art. Arguably the site lines on new facilities are
dramatically improved over site lines of older facility, you will see that there is ample
concourse width; the concourses are physically wider in newer buildings than they are in
existing buildings, which allow circulation to move better. Interestingly enough, there
are more restroom facilities in modern stadiums. And one of the key components that has
become important from a design element is safeguarding against functional obsolescence.
The team, as you're aware, has discussed a commitment of a 40 -year lease. One of the
challenges that the designers have is how do you design a building that you could take
some confidence in will still be arguably considered state-of-the-art over that time
period? So this design remaining flexible and guarding against functional obsolescence
is critical. The final component in terms of what the industry views to be state-of-the-art
has to do with the teams ability to secure appropriate revenue streams. And by that, what
we mean is, what is the financial viability of the tenant in that facility and what are its
ability to capture revenue? The kind of revenue that we are talking about are things like
premium seating opportunities, naming rights and sponsorship, the kinds of elements of
revenue that have a contract behind them so that they are predictable elements of the
financial model. As it relates to costs, this is sort of -- this is the information that we used
through out our analysis. This was the cost information provided to us by the Marlins.
Their estimate was that you could build a facility, the ballpark component itself, for about
three hundred and forty million; fifteen million covered a 1500 car parking garage, and
soft costs covering things like everybody engineering, design, architecture and other
related professionals, estimated an additional thirty million dollars ($30,000,000), for a
budget estimate of three hundred and eighty-five million dollars ($385,000,000). I
caution you, as it relates to that number, primarily because I think the team -- and I know
because the team has confirmed it with us -- design has not advanced to the stage that
budget is, in fact, predictable, and I will tell you that nothing will drive budget more than
the site selection. That will be the key component because as you can appreciate, all of
the design and all of the budgeting and all the costs estimates are driven by location. As
we relate to the actual sites, there were two locations out at the Orange Bowl; a location
at Park West, one at Arena West, one at the Riverfront, and actually three scenarios that
involve Bicentennial Park. In terms of the criterion, we approached the problem
programmatic issues by looking at the sites, looking at the footprint of this facility,
relative to the design that had been provided and to determine whether or not each of
these sites were able to achieve what would arguably be a state-of-the-art facility. We
9 March 15, 2001
then looked at access to the site, as it relates to cars, people, the ability to arrive at a game
by way of mass transit, and then focused on things like impact on the neighborhood, as it
relates to traffic, parking, and does, in fact, this facility integrate well into the
community? Next, we looked at timing issues relative to land assemblage. What is it
going to take to acquire the site; what does it take and how much time will it take to
move utilities; are there roadway improvements that are required; are there issues relative
to environmental constraints, and where these sites eligible for Brownfield's funding? As
we discussed, I think at length, we spent a great deal of time focusing on the potential
economic development impact of a stadium and I think it's important that, from the
consulting team 's perspective, we viewed this assignment to be not just finding a site for
a stadium, but more importantly finding a site that provides the best benefit to the City of
Miami, and by that, we mean what other additional economic development impacts and
alternatives are created by the sighting of the facility? Again, as we mentioned, we
analyzed the development of regional impact issues and tied that back to costs with a
series of pluses and minuses relative to each of the individual sites. Let me begin with
the analysis and tell you that the order in which the analysis was completed -- not the
order. The order in which it's presented is that the sites were listed alphabetically. There
is no order of preference. And, as a result, the first site would be the Arena West. That
site is bounded by Northwest 8th Street to the north; Northwest 6th -- I'm sorry --
Northwest 6th Street to the south; the Metrorail on the east, and 3rd Avenue and 95 on the
west. This is the site plan, and as you can see, it sites the stadium to the west of the
Miami Arena, and that is the NAP (Network Access Point) in the upper right hand
quadrant. As it relates to site characteristics, this site is approximately 15.6 acres; located
in a mixed use area; it is the location of the Poinciana Village residential condo on the
northwest quadrant; the Trailway Bus parking area in the southeast quadrant, and our
research showed us that the site had about a 147 parcels, 66 individuals are entities and
title, and the difference there is a reflection of people owning more than one parcel. This
is a three-dimensional perspective of the stadium in the Arena West location. As you can
see, immediately to the left is Miami Arena; the American Airlines Arena to the far left,
and the Central Business District off in a distance. As it relates to advantages and
constraints, based upon this location, we felt that there was limited spin-off development
as it relates to the economic development impact at that location. Regarding the
community, we felt that this particular location bifurcates Overtown, and there would be
significant disruption to the neighborhood, and in addition, there is a long-term lease with
Poinciana Village, which encumbers slightly over three acres. As it relates to the
environmental -- as my comments in the beginning had indicated -- there are issues that
need to be addressed on each of these sites. The environmental consultant looked at the
history of each site and determined what some of the prior uses were. That's what what's
listed in the second bullet point above. And in this particular location, it is eligible for
Brownfield's funding. As it relates to access, this site obviously is close to the
Overtown/Metrorail station, accessible by way of Metrorail, the Metro Mover and I-95;
parking deemed to be adequate, and the site obviously serve very well by public transit.
In estimating the utilities to be relocated to site the stadium in the Arena West location, it
was determined that it would be three to five million dollars ($5,000,000). This is within
the Southeast Overtown/Park West DRI (Development of Regional Impact). And as it
relates to other considerations, we felt that there was a lack of a positive synergy at this
10 March 15, 2001
location as it relates to the other entertainment venues that are available in the City of
Miami downtown corridor, particularly as it relates to the Performing Arts Center and the
American Airlines Arena. Of major concern is the issue of scale. You saw the mass of
the structure and the northern boundary is a residential area. To graphically try to show
that, this is looking south, with the Government Center in the background, and it is a
large structure. As it relates to preparing schedules, it's important to note that, as we
travel around the country and talk about constructing sports facilities, I can assure you
that there is only one predictable component as it relates to timing and that is the
construction schedule from commencement to opening day, and that is because you are
effectively at that point in time on the critical path. What I can't predict for you is the
lead-time that leads up to getting on to the critical path. As we develop our timelines, we
identified what we believe are four key items that need to be addressed prior to the
commencement of construction. The issues are the City of Miami making its site
selection; the City identifying and securing a funding source to assemble the land; and the
development of a finance plan to construct the stadium that, in particular, to this body is
consistent with the resolution that you adopted on February 15' . In addition, as we had
spread throughout this report, a final determination and quantification of the potential
environmental remediation issues. This is the schedule for Arena West. It was estimated
from adoption of a finance plan that it would take 39 months to opening day, at a cost
that ranged from four hundred and twelve million to four hundred an twenty-three
million, and bear in mind, in there is the three hundred and eighty-five million dollars
($385,000,000), as you'll see throughout all of these for the ball park construction. The
next site is Bicentennial Park "A". You're all familiar with the location. This sites the
stadium in the park, leaving Biscayne Boulevard in its present configuration. The site is
comprised of 19.42 acres. It is, in fact, owned by the City; presently a recreational area,
and as I previously stated, does not involve the relocation of the boulevard. This again is
an aerial perspective sighting the stadium. Off in a distance, adjacent to that, is the
America airlines arena, the Freedom Tower, as well as the Central Business District.
Regarding economic development impact, we believe that there would be some impact
across the boulevard, but that limited west ward penetration an some -- an issue relative
to the community impact, obviously, is it significantly reduces the amount of open space
along Biscayne Bay, and since there are no resident, minimal disruption to the
neighborhood. As it relates to environmental again, a consistent approach, as we analyze
this, it is Brownfield eligible. As it relates to access, it's important to note that 50 percent
of the trucks that access the port use Biscayne Boulevard. There is close proximity to the
Metro Mover. You would need to identify pedestrian connections that would link the
park, and there are some potential parking in traffic -- traffic issues to the extent there
were events at the arena, as well as the Performing Arts Center. Minimal utility
relocation, estimated to be a million dollars ($1,000,000). It's within downtown
development of regional impact, and from a visual standpoint, significantly impacting
views of the bay from Biscayne Boulevard and from the Performing Arts Center,
although, from a positive side, because of its location, it would be proximate to the
Performing Arts Center and the arena. Again, an eye -level perspective, looking north
with the arena to your immediate right in the foreground. As it relates to schedule, again,
assuming the adoption of a finance plan, 36 months. At a cost ranging from four hundred
and sixty-six million to four hundred and seventy one million. The next site Bicentennial
11 March 15, 2001
Park `B", is the westward merger of Biscayne Boulevard merging on to Northeast 2nd
Avenue, as the site plan reflects, sighting the park -- I'm sorry. Sighting the stadium
again in the park. The addition at this point in time with approximately an increase of six
acres of space, as a result of filling in the slip between Bicentennial Park and the
American Airlines Arena. In terms of site characteristics, it's comprised of the 33 acre --
of the 33 -acre park, 19.42 acres of that would be used, located again, in a commercial
recreational area. The seven -- roughly seven or eight acre parcel that would need to be
acquired to relocate the boulevard has 14 parcels owned by five individuals. And a
significant portion of the property, again, currently owned by the City of Miami. That is
reflected on the timeline because it increases the ability -- the timeline as it relates to site
acquisition. Again, a perspective -- an aerial placing the stadium inside the park, and
moving the boulevard, which is in red, behind the stadium. As it relates to the economic
development impact, we felt that it was -- it moderately reduces the amount of prime
developable land on Biscayne Boulevard and there would be limited positive
development westward, minimal disruption to the neighborhood. This plan does provide
some additional open spaces, as a result of filling the slip. However, there are regulatory
issues and timing issues relative to the approval of the filling of that slip. These basically
remain the same, as Bicentennial A, the same environmental, same access issues, so, in
the essence of time, we won't spend a lot of time on that. As it relates to the relocation of
utilities, it's estimated to be between eight and ten million dollars ($10,000,000). It is,
again, within the downtown, as well as the Southeast Overtown Park West DRI.
Regarding other considerations, you do eliminate, when you merge Northeast 2nd
Avenue, you do eliminate actually Northeast 12th and Northeast 11 to Street, then stop at
Biscayne, it does impact, we believe, in a negative way on the City grid, and, again,
you're impacting views of the bay from the boulevard as well as the Performing Arts
Center. This is an eye -level perspective looking north, with the American Airlines Arena
to your immediate right. As it relates to schedule, again, from adopting a finance plan, it
was estimated that it would take 36 months to complete, at a cost ranging between five
hundred and twenty three million to five hundred and forty million dollars
($540,000,000). The next option for Bicentennial Park is option "C". This relocated
Biscayne Boulevard eastward into Bicentennial Park, and -- as is reflected on the site
plan. As it relates to site characteristics, it's comprised of approximately 25 acres, 11.3
acres of that are in Bicentennial Park; located in a commercial recreational area. Again,
same owners in terms of the acquisition of the roughly eight -acre parcel, the City owns a
majority of this site, and, again, as we had discussed, relocates the boulevard to the east.
An aerial perspective showing the boulevard relocated to the east and the stadium sighted
behind that, with the American Airlines Arena, the Freedom Tower, and the Central
Business District off in a distance. In terms of economic development impact, we do
believe that this location does provide some synergy with the other entertainment
anchors, the Performing Arts Center and the Arena; however, it eliminates some prime
developable frontage along Biscayne Boulevard, and eliminates quality development, we
believe, westward of the stadium. Again, minimal disruption to the neighborhood and a
loss of approximately 30 percent of the public parking space. In terms of some
advantages and constraints, we -- as I previously stated, the same issues relative to
environmental and, again, the same access issues in particularly as it relates to truck
traffic, accessing the port by way of Biscayne Boulevard. In terms of other
12 March 15, 2001
considerations, it was estimated that to relocate the utilities, it would range from forty to
fifty million dollars ($50,000,000). I would note that that does assume the relocation of
the pump station, if, in fact, that can be incorporated into the design of the stadium.
There is the potential to reduce that utility relocation number by as much as thirty million
dollars ($30,000,000). It is within the downtown and Southeast Overtown/Park West
DRI. It eliminates the existing commercial development area; views from the bay
westward are significantly impacted. Some things that Spillis Candela felt very strongly
about changes the historical and visual character of Biscayne Boulevard and locates the
stadium in the direct access of the visual line of the boulevard, which is shown on the
next slide. This is looking east. And you see a rather imposing wall as you look down
Biscayne Boulevard. As it relates to schedule, again, from the adoption of a finance plan,
we estimated 60 months to complete, at a cost of five hundred and twenty-four to five
hundred and fifty-three million dollars ($553,000,000). Our next site was at the Orange
Bowl. You're all intimately familiar with the boundaries. The rational behind this is that
this is a City -owned parcel, comprised of approximately 36 acres. It is, however, located
in a primarily residential area. Again, owned by the City. But it's important to note that
this facility presently is encumbered by a nine-year use agreement with the University of
Miami, and in our contact with them, the Hurricanes did not indicate a willingness to
eliminate or end that use agreement at this point in time. This sites and aerial
perspective, showing the stadium as it would look in the middle of the residential
community. In terms of the other areas as it relates to economic development. We
believe that it was extremely limited from a spin-off benefit, as far as the City of Miami
was concerned, primarily because there's no interaction with the Central Business
District. We felt that there would be significant disruption to the community, to the
residents. We know that they are used to handling 10 events in a calendar year. When
you put baseball down and you have 81, it is a significant increase in events. The same
environmental issues. From an access standpoint, you do not have the ability to get to the
location by the use of mass transit. Indirectly, you can access the site by way of highway
836. And it's important to note that the grid that would require dispersement following
an event is on residential streets, and that is, in fact, an issue. Again, minimal utilities. It
is important to note that at this location, it does require the construction of a chiller plant;
that having to do with the distance to the closest chiller plant relative to where it is
located in the Central Business District. This is not within an existing DRI. There is
presently some debt in the amount of thirteen point eight million dollars ($13.8 million),
and, again, from an architectural standpoint, very out of scale with the surrounding
homes. This is a view looking eastward to the downtown. As it relates to schedule, we
did estimate that this would take about 48 months to demolish the structure and build a
new one. However, we did not put a cost on this figure-- I'm sorry, on the construction of
the facility at this location because, as a result of the University of Miami's use
agreement, we didn't believe that it was not a viable option, given their intent to enforce
the use agreement. The next site -- and I will take some time to define this boundary.
The intent here was -- if you can't site the location at the Orange Bowl, does it make
sense to create a sports and entertainment district by acquiring a parcel adjacent to that?
And that parcel would be bounded by Northwest 14th Avenue on the west; Northwest 12th
Avenue on the East; midway between Northwest 3rd and Northwest 4th on the south, and
midway between Northwest 5th and 6th on the north. This shows the site sighted in that
13 March 15, 2001
boundary. It is east of the Orange Bowl. And, again, the intent was to look at the ability
to create a sports complex. The site is comprised of approximately 16 acres, located in a
primarily residential area. There are 84 individuals that own 94 parcels. Again, the same
economic development and community impact issues with one exception, and that is, an
even greater increase in events as a result of the Orange Bowl remaining at the location.
Same type of environmental and access issues that we previously discussed. As it relates
to other considerations, it was estimated that it would be two to three million dollars
($3,000,000) to relocate some utilities. Again, the same issue of constructing a chiller
plant and the same points on the DRI, as well as other considerations. From a schedule
standpoint, it was estimated that it would take 48 months to construct the stadium at this
location, at a cost between four hundred and twelve million to four hundred and twenty-
three million dollars ($423,000,000). The next location is Park West, bounded by
Northeast 11th Street on the north; Northeast 9th Street on the south; Northeast 2nd Avenue
on the east, and North Miami Avenue on the west. This reflects the site plan, showing
the location at Park West and the creation of development opportunities between the
stadium and Bicentennial Park. Comprised of approximately 16 acres, located in a
commercial area. On our initial research, it was determined that there were 56 parcels
owned by 30 individuals or entities. It's important to note that as we continue to research
this location, we have been able to identify that there are multiple legal entities that were
formed. So, there are fewer owners than originally anticipated, and there are probably
14, 15, or 16 owners. This is the aerial perspective again, (unintelligible) in the Park
West with the American Airlines Arena to your left, the Freedom Tower adjacent to that,
and the Central Business District again in a distance. In terms of economic development
impact, we believe that this had a very positive synergy potential with the Performing
Arts Center, as well as the American Airlines Arena, and in our opinion, positions the
stadium where the greatest amount of potential commercial development for a sports and
entertainment district. Obviously, minimal impact on the residents since it is a more
commercial area. Same type of environmental issues, as we have discussed in the past,
with one important note and that is, the environmental people noted that, as an industrial
former use, there is a greater potential for environmental type issues. As it relates to
advantages and constraints, this design involved the closure of Northeast 2nd -- I'm sorry -
- Northeast 1St Avenue, and that is a significant impact to the port. Fifty-four percent of
the trucks that access the port use that -- do that by way of Northeast 1" Avenue. For this
site to become a viable option, there would need to be developed a solution that works as
it relates to the port traffic. It requires pedestrian connections to the park and to the
arena; it is in close proximity to the Metro Mover, and there are some potential parking
and traffic conflicts, as you have events in other entertainment venues because of the
number of people trying to get into that one particular grid. As it relates to the relocation
of utilities, it was estimated to be eight to ten million dollars ($10,000,000). It is within
the Southeast Overtown Park West DRI. And some of the considerations that we thought
were very positive is that it preserves the views to the bay, and certainly, in our opinion,
enhances the value of development along Biscayne Boulevard. This is an eye -level
perspective, again, looking north with the America Airlines Arena in the foreground. As
it relates to schedule, again, assuming the adoption of a finance plan, it was estimated that
this would take 45 months, at a cost between four hundred and thirty-three million to four
hundred forty-five million. The next site is the Riverfront, bounded by Southwest 3rd on
14 March 15, 2001
the north, the river on the south, South Miami Avenue on the east, and the FP &L
(Florida Power & Light) substation on the west. Initially, we took the footprint of the
stadium as designed -- to the extent the design exist in its present form -- by HOK on
behalf of the Marlins, and it was determined that given the constraint created by Miami
Avenue, as well as the Metro Rail, that that footprint was too large. It just would not fit.
However, we did look at some alternatives, and one that appeared to fit -- this is another
retractable roof facility that is designed and built in Houston. It is Enron Field, and it did
appear that you could fit the ball -- the stadium ball and the roof structure within that
boundary. In terms of site characteristics, the site is made up of approximately 19.8
acres; of that, we made the assumption that, in order to meet the parking requirement that
the Marlins have stated for premium seating, there was the need to relocate the Florida
Power & Light service center, and that was about -- between seven and eight acres. It is
located in a commercial area, adjacent to the Central Business District; very few owners;
two private owners, and Florida Power &Light, as well as the need to discuss the right-
of-way issues with the Metrorail people. This is a perspective. Again, aerial. It's
important to note that in this, the design was intended to accommodate a new Metrorail
station that could be incorporated somehow physically into the structure to allow public
transit access directly to the stadium. As it relates to economic development impact,
again, we believe this would be favorable. It would contribute to the revitalization,
particularly of the Miami River; it's close enough to be integrated to the Central Business
District; no impact to any residents, and one of the things that is important is, the good
potential to capitalize on what we think would be incredibly attractive Riverfront
walkway that could link the Central Business District directly to this site, and there is, in
fact, a one point two million dollar ($1.2 million) grant for those improvements already
available. As it relates to environmental, again, the same sort of issues as we had
discussed. This was among the best sites that we looked at as far as parking supply.
There are two Metro Mover stations immediately adjacent to the site. And, as we stated,
there is the ability to construct the Metrorail station into the stadium. Utilities. As a
result of the need to acquire some additional ground to handle the parking requirement,
we met with Florida Power & Light to discuss the relocation of their service station and
that resulted in a discussion that lead to -- and I say in big parentheses -- an estimate of
fifty-three million dollars ($53,000,000) to acquire their -- the needed parcels, and, again,
because of this location, it does require the construction of a chiller plant to handle the
HVAC requirements of the stadium. It is within the downtown DRI. There is the
potential for construction premiums relative to the length of time to construct, as well as
the costs, because it is a relatively constrained site. Constrained by Metrorail, Miami --
South Miami Avenue, and the river, means that you have some issues as it relates to the
staging and storage of materials, the placement of cranes to construct the facility, not
meaning that it is not workable, but there are -- it does require a closer look from a
constructability standpoint. This is an eye -level perspective looking northeast. That's the
Bank of America building off to your right. From a schedule standpoint, from adoption
of the finance plan, it was estimated that it would take 48 months to get to opening of the
ballpark, at a cost between four hundred and ninety-nine million to five hundred and
twenty-one million dollars ($521,000,000). To conclude our portion of the presentation,
we assembled a matrix that can serve as an effective tool when you look at the cost
estimates of the various parcels and the various locations. I caution you on one thing,
15 March 15, 2001
however, and that is we are dealing with estimated budgets and we are dealing with
estimates regarding things like the relocation of utilities. And it's not accurate to
naturally circle two and compare and stack them on the basis of costs. I say that because,
as I said earlier in my remarks, one of the things we feel very strongly about is that costs
should not be the only determining factor in locating a stadium within the City of Miami.
There should be a huge economic development impact to the City, and the difference that
you are faced with is, one is an immediate cost; one the a benefit that you get out over the
term of the lease that the Marlins have committed to out over a 40 -year period. With
that, I conclude. I, again, would like to thank the Mayor and the Commissioners for
giving us the time to present this publicly, and particular, I would like to thank the City
Manager, the City Attorney, and his staff. I assure you that we were not able to complete
this if it were not for their assistance and we are indebted for their help. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: Does anyone have any questions at this time? I do have one. My
understanding is, in your calculations when you -- in the Riverfront site, you have fifty-
three million dollars ($53,000,000) relocation. My understanding, that's going to be
eliminated or can be eliminated? Number one.
Mr. Gimenez: That needs further study. It could be -- again, I think it's function and
design, and -- but that's an issue that still has to be resolved. That's the best estimate we
have with the time available.
Vice Chairman Gort: And number two is, my understanding is, Florida Power & Light
was in the process to build that chiller plant in the north, but they were in the process of
building one in the south also. If you recall when they made their presentation in front of
us. I think that's something should be taken into consideration also. Thank you. Any
questions?
Commissioner Sanchez: I do, Mr. Chairman. Is the environmental impact, is it projected
on the construction costs of all the sites?
Mr. Whitworth: It is not.
Commissioner Sanchez: It is not.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK.
Commissioner Regalado: Question, Mr. Chairman.
Vice Chairman Gort: Commissioner Regalado.
16 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Regalado: But there is a resolution that the City will not participate in the
environmental. So, this is just a figure that you're adding. This is not the City's role; is
that correct?
Mr. Gimenez: I don't believe we added a figure for environmentalists to the cost of this
project. It would require Phase II and we couldn't do a Phase II to really give you a
figure.
Commissioner Regalado: No. I understand. But I mean, on the City's part, that is just a
figure, right?
Mr. Gimenez: I don't understand the question.
Commissioner Regalado: The resolution said that the City would not participate.
Mr. Gimenez: That's correct.
Mr. Whitworth: That's correct.
Commissioner Regalado: OK.
17 March 15, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. To follow the agenda, we'll now hear from the Community
Development Agency. Dipak Parekh.
Dipak Parekh: Good afternoon, members of the board. Thank you for allowing the
Community Redevelopment Agency to present its report and findings to the board of
Commission. The CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) Board of Directors, on
February 26th, directed the CRA staff and its consultants to analyze the impact of various
proposed baseball sites locations on the CRA, and requested the CRA staff to provide
recommendations to the City Commission. The CRA staff and its consultants did not
analyze any potential site outside the CRA boundaries, such as the Riverside or,
alternatively, the Orange Bowl. The staff and its consultants analyzed the following
potential baseball locations within the CRA boundaries: Proposal A, Biscayne Boulevard
west, also known as Biscayne Boulevard Site "B'; proposal "Bl", Biscayne Boulevard
west, known as Biscayne Boulevard Option "C"; proposal "B2", which was a modified
version of the Biscayne Boulevard East location; proposal "C" is the Miami Arena East,
the present Heat location; proposal "D", Miami Arena West, i.e., the Poinciana site;
proposal "E", which is the Northwest 91h Street site, also known as the Park West site;
proposal "F", the Northwest 2nd Avenue site. The site locations have been included as
exhibits in the report, which has been delivered to each of the members of the
Commission. In connection with the analysis, the CRA staff retained the firms of Dain
Rauscher to perform an analysis of the financial impact on various locations sites, and,
particularly, the impact on the tax increment revenue to the Southeast Overtown Park
West CRA. Further, the firm of Civil-CADD Engineering to review the traffic utility
road issues, and the law firm of Bercow & Radell to analyze to DRI issues, which have
been presented quite eloquently by the City Manager, and the law firm of Holland and
Knight to review the overall legal issues. Further, we had sub consultants of H.J. Ross,
who looked at the planning issues; Bermello and Ajamil, B&A, on the architectural
issues; the engineering firm of Parsons & Brinckerhoff to take a look into the various
aspects of the engineering and traffic studies. And furthermore and finally, the ADC
group services to look at the environmental issues affecting each of the sites. The
summary of the analysis prepared by the CRA staff and its consultants, with respect to
each of the sites, have been attached to the report under exhibit `B". Proposal "A":
Namely, the Biscayne Boulevard West, and proposal `B2", and furthermore, proposal
"F", meaning the Northwest 2nd Avenue sites. Each had a severe negative, financial
impact on the CRA and would impede any future economic progress within the
redevelopment area. Proposal "C", which is the Miami Arena site presently, was rejected
as being impractical and the problems of relocating the FEC (Florida East Coast) railway
line and the AT&T (American Telephone & Telegraph) switching station. Furthermore,
based upon the analysis of the CRA staff and its consultants, proposal "D", the Miami
Arena West site, i.e., Poinciana Village, would appear to have the least negative financial
impact on the CRA and would be the least expensive site to acquire, notwithstanding
18 March 15, 2001
three quarters of the that land is owned by the Miami CRA. Notwithstanding, this
particular fact, but for policy reasons, the CRA staff has rejected this site as being
inconsistent with the redevelopment plan of the Miami CRA and contrary to the goals of
the CRA. Furthermore, this proposal would damage the urban fabric of the Overtown
community. Based upon the analysis of the CRA staff and its consultants, the CRA staff
believes that the proposal known as "Bl", Boulevard East, and proposal `B", which is
also known as the Park West site, are practical proposals, which will have the least
negative, financial impact on the CRA in the future, and will further permit the
Community Redevelopment Agency to continue its redevelopment plan. In addition, to
the above analysis, the CRA recommends that any proposed baseball stadium and its
related facilities, that the owners and the agreement is such that there is a payment in lieu
of taxes, commonly known as PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) fee, be paid either to
the CRA or to the City of Miami to offset any lost tax increment revenue resulting from
the development of the proposed stadium and related facilities. In closing, we would
acknowledge the fact that this report, in the limited period of time, would not have been
able to be done with the support of our consultants primarily, but also from the State
Florida Department of Transportation, from the County Manager's Office, Miami-Dade
Water and Sewer, and furthermore, other individuals within the City Manager's Office,
and the Planning Department, as well as the Information Technology Department. The
staff, as well as the CRA consultants, are here to answer any further questions you may
have. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, Dipak.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: At this time, I would like to recognize the County Commissioner
from the district, Commissioner Bruno Barreiro. Thank you for being with us. Thank
you. Are there any questions for Mr. Dipak?
19 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Regalado: Just a question of -- on the agenda. This is a public hearing.
Are we going to have time to hear the people before the Manager's recommendation or
after?
Vice Chairman Gort: My understanding, your question is, if you -- do you want to open it
to the public before we hear from staff, is that what you're saying? Is that what you're
asking?
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah. I'm asking if the public is going to be allowed to speak
before the Manager makes his recommendations?
Vice Chairman Gort: I'd like to hear from the -- and it's to the wish of the majority of this
Commission, but I'd like to hear from all the staff so all the public that is sitting here can
hear all the recommendations and, then, if you all want to open it up later, be more than
glad to do so. It's up to you all.
Mayor Carollo: Gentlemen, let me say this on that issue. I know there are a lot of people
here. There's a lot of areas that we need to go over and this is going to be a long day
hearing from staff, hearing from all the consultants we have; hearing from the Marlins,
20 March 15, 2001
but Dade County does have citizens constitutional bill of rights, and I think we're bound
by that. So, I have no problem in hearing from the public. The only thing is, since we
probably have over five hundred people here, if there are that many people who want to
speak, we're going to have to limit people to one minute, maybe two minutes, depending
on how many people want to speak. But I think we have an obligation to hear the public.
Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Mayor, the suggestion is, before we hear from the public, I
think we should hear from all the administration, all the presentations, so the public will
have the benefit of receiving the same information that we've had.
Mayor Carollo: That's always what this body has done. Mr. Manager, your
recommendations.
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir.
Mayor Carollo: You need more time?
Mr. Gimenez: No. I thought about this and -- as you can see from the matrix that it really
-- a number of different people can come up with a number of different recommendations
really -- it's based on what you consider to be the overriding factor, and to me the
overriding factor is the benefit to the City, and the redevelopment of areas and how this
stadium will, if properly placed, you know, could help the redevelopment of a certain
area and also give us -- the City of Miami the greatest benefit. So, I have three
recommended sites in no order of preference. My recommended sites are -- and before I
say what they are, please be cognizant that each site has a set of problems, either traffic,
port -related issue, a social issue, or a constraint issue, so this is -- I mean, if it were -- if
all the arrows are pointing one direction, it would be very easy and that's why I really got
to give you three and let you all discuss them and decide which way you want to go. But
my recommended sites are Park West...
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, go ahead.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Carollo: I'm listening.
Commissioner Teele: Now, we're going to hear from the public and I really think that's
important, but am I hearing the Manager or hearing you and the Manager to say that
we've got one vote for one site, but the Manager's going to give us three? And ...
21 March 15, 2001
Mr. Gimenez: No, sir, that's not what I'm saying.
Commissioner Teele: Well, let me -- did I hear Mayor Penelas correctly, when he said
that he would hope that we could come up with one site today?
Mayor Carollo: That you did.
Commissioner Teele: Well, Mr. Mayor, I would hope that you and the Manager could
perhaps take a few moments and let us have the public hearing and hear from the public
and maybe you all could refine this down to one recommendation. I have no problems
voting for one, if that's what the Mayor of the County is asking us for, but I think it's a bit
disingenuous to -- for us, here as part-time Commissioners, to have a series of consultants
-- a series of assistant managers, department heads, and for us to sort of get this thing
rolled out, particularly when it says -- when we're being told there is no order of
preference. It's just here is three recommendations, and I don't mind making a decision. I
think we're all paid, what, about six thousand a year --
Commissioner Sanchez: Just about.
Commissioner Teele: -- to do this?
Commissioner Winton: Five.
Commissioner Teele: Five? I don't mind making a recommendation, but I take some
exception from having a professional staff of professional consultants, a professional
Manager -- because I know what's going to happen. It's going to be all second-guessing
of "There those Commissioners go again", and I've read very closely the comments of
Commissioner Winton, and I'm very, very much in agreement with the fact that perhaps
we should not -- well, I'll let Commissioner Winton speak for himself. I'm very inclined
to support the comments that have been attributed to him in the media, but I think it's
incumbent upon us, as a Commission, to ask the Manager directly -- you, Mr. Mayor, as
an executive Mayor -- for a recommendation, and I think those recommendations clearly
should be in writing. So -- I mean ...
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner Teele, let me stay this to you. The Manager works for me
and he also works for the Commission, which is one of the biggest problems that we have
in this form of government. The Manager is entitled to give his recommendations, which
I might agree with or might not agree with. So, it's going to have to be up to the Manager
to tell you the simplest way that he can, if he could bring down his three
recommendations to one or not. I will gladly give you my recommendation, if you so
want it on the record, and I'll give you my second recommendation, if the first one would
not be feasible.
Commissioner Winton: Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Carollo: Yes, sir.
22 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Winton: We might -- in light of what Commissioner Teele is asking for,
we might want to -- because the team that's going to play in the stadium is here -- and we
may want to hear from them as well, in terms of -- in terms as to whether or not there's a
specific site that they have a priority for or not in this process.
Mayor Carollo: This is something that I always intended, Commissioner Winton, that
had to be and must be part of this hearing, to hear from the team. This is why I've taken
some of the positions that I've had during this process, because I think it's very important
to hear what the team wants.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, if I may.
Mayor Carollo: Yes, Commissioner Sanchez.
Commissioner Sanchez: This report that has been given to us, which I am very happy
with, really gives you the advantages, disadvantage, pros and cons on all the sites; they've
broken eight sites; they have basically given you the ups and downs of every site. I think
the City Manager has said it very clearly. All the sites are not perfect. If there was an
easy process, we would probably be in Tallahassee already seeking the funds necessary to
build a stadium. However, the report is conducted by experts that have basically
prepared this report and the City Manager has looked at it. Once again, the
recommendations, whether it's one, two, three, four, five, six, how many may be you
would give and then we, as the legislative body of this City, would vote on a site or two
sites, whatever it may be. So, I am -- I'm prepared to listen to your recommendations.
Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead, Commissioner.
Vice Chairman Gort: I personally, through the DDA (Downtown Development
Authority), when we first found out about the Marlins wanted to come to Miami, we
made some suggestions in the DDA and one of the suggestions that we made about a year
and a half ago, two years ago, is one of the three that I think the Manager's selected. So I,
personally, don't have any problems in selecting one today.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, go ahead.
Commissioner Regalado: First of all, I think that we should thank the members of the
County Commission and the state legislature because they have been very gracious in not
participating in the debate about the site. They're equal as us on this deal, and I subscribe
to the Mayor's comment that the Mayor and the City Commission, we all want a stadium
and we all support a stadium, and if we understand that time is of the essence, then we
should spare the County Commission a debate on the site. We should spare the state
23 March 15, 2001
legislature a debate on the site because a lot of County Commissioners have a preference
on their sites. A lot of legislatures have preference on the sites. We all have spoken to
them and, as a matter of fact, if we look at the phone calls and the e-mails and the letters,
50 percent of all the messages that I have in the office have been sent from outside the
City of Miami. So, this is a County issue, too. So, I would hope that we decide just to
select one site here today, and send straight arrow to the County Commission on Tuesday
and to the state legislature. And I really agree with Commissioner Teele. I mean, the
Manager should give us his best idea on all these eight sites because by giving three, he's
just eliminating five of the eight that we paid the consultants to do. So, what I would
really like to hear the public and the entities and members of the legislature that are here
because -- I mean, without them, there is no baseball in the City of Miami. And I think
that it's about time that we move on; that the focus of the media will now be starting next
week on the County, on the state, because there are equal to the City of -- probably more
important because of the funding in terms of the stadium. So, I would just hope that this
Commission would decide on one site today so we have a headline tomorrow or tonight
on the news that says, you know, this is it. I will -- I have my preference, but I will
support the will of the majority of the City Commission, because I think this is a very
important issue. So, I just wanted to thank the County and the state legislature for being
so prudent and patience that they have in not participating in this site selection debate.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Sanchez: I would really like to hear the recommendations from the City
Manager; have the Marlins organization give the sites that they perceive to be feasible,
and then we could hear the public, so we could go a head an finally make a decision here
today. Because I think that we did agree to make a final decision today, so we can move
on to the next stage.
Vice Chairman Gort: I don't have any problem with that. I'll even go further than that. I
believe most of the individuals are here today because they're in supPortof having a
stadium here in Miami, and I think we all agree to having a stadium here in Miami.
We're going to decide today on one site. So, what I would like to do, if possible -- if you
all agree with me and then listen for from the Manager, his recommendations, and listen
from the Marlins, and then, if you all want to, we can make a motion and then let the
people speak on the motion. Mr. Manager, it's all yours.
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir. My three recommended sites are Park West, the River, and Arena
West.
Commissioner Regalado: And what?
Mr. Gimenez: Arena West. Like I said, each one of them has its own sets of advantages
and each one of them has its own sets of disadvantages. It could be social, traffic, or
logistics.
24 March 15, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, Mr. Manager. Now, we would like to hear from the
Marlins or their representatives, or, Mr. Mayor, I don't know if you'd like to address us
first or Commissioner Barreiro. I yield to elected officials always.
Miami -Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro: I yield to my former colleague.
Thank you, Commissioners and Mr. Mayor. For me it's a pleasure to be here. I definitely
believe in -- with my past experience in the legislature, I definitely believe that it's the
right thing to make a decision today and make one choice. It's very difficult but it's -- I
think it's very important to send a one single message, one message together from the
City and the County to the legislature on one specific site. That way we could get --
we're sure enough as is it on time. The session has begun and, from my experience, it's
very difficult to bring something to them in the middle of a session, but it's very
important to come in with one specific site. That would be my recommendation. And I
join you on what you've stated. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, sir.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, Commissioner. We appreciate you coming today.
Miguel De Grandy: Commissioners, Miguel De Grandy on behalf of the Marlins. Of the
sites designated by the Manager, we believe that the river site is most acceptable site, and
we look forward to working with you in trying to make that a reality.
Commissioner Winton: I didn't hear you. I'm sorry.
Mr. De Grandy: We believe of the sites presented by the Manager, that the river site is
the most acceptable site. We agree in that respect for the CIA.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: Mayor Penelas.
Mayor Penelas: Mr. Mayor and members of the Commission, I've spent a lot of time
looking at your consultants' reports. I think they've done an excellent job. Based on my
review of the report; based on the social and political considerations that I think need to
be put into this mix, considering the financial issues, I concur with the team. I think the
River site is the most appropriate site.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Penelas: And would strongly urge you today to vote in favor of that site; send this
issue to the board of County Commissioners. I think the river site will be strongly
supported by the board of County Commissioners.
(APPLAUSE)
25 March 15, 2001
Mayor Penelas: And, similarly, by our legislature. So, I would urge you to make that the
preferred site. Thank you.
Mayor Carollo: Mayor Penelas, let me ask you a question. On the Riverfront site, I
believe that's the only site that, when a home run is hit, we will get downtown Miami on
national TV, right?
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Penelas: And, hopefully, there will be a lot of those home runs, Mr. Mayor.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Mayor, would it be appropriate for me to make a motion?
Mayor Carollo: Absolutely. But before you do, if I could ask you, Commissioner -- I'd
like to ask Mr. De Grandy to come up again. I'd like to ask you another question. The
Riverfront site, as I heard you say, is your favorite choice out of the eight sites that were
presented and studied by the consultants, which would your second choice be? Do you
have one or...
Mr. De Grandy: Mr. Mayor, as Mr. Henry has said, we initially thought that the
Bicentennial site was the most feasible site. We understand...
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: I understand that.
Mr. De Grandy: We understand that that has become a divisive issue in this community
and we're not here to divide. We're here to build consensus around the vision of having a
ballpark in downtown Miami.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you. Could you speak a little louder,
please?
Mr. De Grandy: I said we're not here to divide. We're here to build a consensus around a
vision of bringing baseball to Miami.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: I hear you loud and clear, Mr. De Grandy. I appreciate your statements.
Mr. De Grandy: And, Mr. Mayor, the only problem with the River site that we see in
terms of what you said, is that we might have to dredge it again to get all the baseballs
out of the water.
26 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Sanchez: Don't they float after awhile?
Mayor Carollo: We're going to have another problem over the Riverfront site. I know
every member of the Commission is not going to want to move to the Miami River site
office that we have, so they could get a view of the stadium. Commissioner Sanchez, you
wanted to make a statement.
Commissioner Sanchez: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Commissioners, I believe that the
last time that we considered this matter we were clear on several things: One was that
baseball would stay in Miami and in downtown Miami. Two, we agreed to provide the
land for the ballpark in downtown. Three, we understand the need to select a site as soon
as possible so that we could team up with all the parties involved and go to Tallahassee
and seek the necessary funds to build this stadium. In fact, on February the 15th meeting,
we made it very clear at today's meeting; we would select one site for the ballpark. We
asked the Manager to ensure that there was a thorough analysis of all possible sites so
that we could make an informed decision and we've now had the opportunity to evaluate
the pros and cons of all the different sites, eight which were presented here today. The
consultants have done an incredible job on a very tight schedule, providing us with
thoughtful and detailed analysis of each of these sites. Their reports and their
presentation before us today had been invaluable in our decision-making. I think it's fair
to say the Marlins have demonstrated their willingness to work with us and compromise
to reach an acceptable solution. I'm convinced that at this time for us to make a definite
and positive statement that, yes, we do want to bring baseball to downtown Miami, and
that we're willing to work in partnership with the team, the County, and the state to make
this vision a reality. After evaluating all the different options, I believe that the River site
presents the most feasible alternative for construction for a new ballpark and a site that
serves the best interest in the City of Miami over a long term. It has been explained here
today that the River site is near the Metrorail and the People Mover and has sufficient
assets for parking within the area to accommodate the needs of the ballpark. Also,
located in the ballpark on the site will help us extremely to bring revitalization and
economic boost to the river. Through the help of many elected officials and civic leaders
in our community, we created the Miami River Commission, which has helped to focus
efforts to revitalize the river. While in route -- while (inaudible) have been made towards
these efforts, our decision today paves the way for establishing the centerpiece around a
new Riverfront development, which would strive. I believe that we can build a world-
class ballpark on the river site and in downtown Miami. Now, we must join hands with
the County, state, the Marlins, and go up to Tallahassee and seek the funds. I believe that
the Manager makes a wise point in stating that the actual purchase of the property should
not occur until the County and the state funding is in place and, therefore, as part of my
motion, I would -- no. I would like to -- excuse me. I would like to make -- I would like
to move that we designate the River site as the site for the new downtown ballpark, and
instruct the Manager to work with the Marlins and the County to negotiate the remaining
points, including the acquisition of the property by the City at a fair market value.
(APPLAUSE)
27 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Sanchez: I believe that the Manager makes a wise point in stating that the
actual purchase of the property should not occur until the County and the state funding is
in place and, therefore, as part of my motion, I think we should direct the Manager to
negotiate an acquisition in the manner that will create an obligation on the part of the
City, only upon agreement by the owners to a fair market price, as well as the final
passage of the bill currently pending in Tallahassee. So, there move as my motion.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Mayor Carollo: There's a motion by Commissioner Sanchez. That's been seconded by
Commissioner Winton. Is there any further discussion on this motion by any members of
the Commission?
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Mayor Carollo: Yes, Commissioner Teele.
Commissioner Teele: Are we going to have a public hearing?
Mayor Carollo: We are, but we don't have to vote on this motion now. That's not my
intention
Commissioner Teele: It would seem to me to be really -- I mean, I would hope that the
public would be afforded at least an opportunity to speak for this...
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: I...
Commissioner Teele: And while I think the motion is certainly timely and the second is
timely, I would hope that we would suspend this Commission discussion on the motion
and afford the public an opportunity to be heard.
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner, I've made any position very clear on that early on, that
we must allow the public the opportunity to speak. I believe the motion was timely
because of that's where a majority of the Commission is heading to. I think the public
should know that already. If the Commission does not want to have any additional
discussion at this point in time, I'll be happy to follow the will of the majority of the
Commission and begin hearing from the public, but that's up to this body.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman?
Mayor Carollo: I'm going to be very democratic about it.
Commissioner Sanchez: This is just a motion on the table. I welcome -- we welcome the
28 March 15, 2001
public's input. It's just a motion on the table. And we could hear the public and then we
could vote on it. But I think it's important that just to present a motion -- because, once
again, it is so crucial -- timing is so crucial that if we don't commit ourselves, we stand
the risk -- to jeopardize this whole process here today.
Mayor Carollo: You have a motion and a second for the Riverfront site. If there is
anyone from the public that would like to address this Commission, what I would ask that
you do is that you start coming up here to where the City Clerk is, and someone will take
your name and then they will start calling you up, and depending on how many people
come up, I will either -- allow either two minutes or one minute.
Xavier Suarez: Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Carollo: Per person.
Mr. Suarez: Mr. Mayor?
Mayor Carollo: Yes, sir.
Mr. Suarez: I have a ...
Mayor Carollo: Oh, I'm sorry. You had a shadow there. I didn't recognize you.
Mr. Suarez: Thank you, sir. If I may?
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead, Mr. Suarez, you certainly can.
Mr. Suarez: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, as you know, for about three or
four weeks we have been submitting to you ideas and analysis of the various sites. We're
encouraged by the fact that you have, first of all -- or you seem to be heading in the
direction, first of all, if not having Bicentennial over (unintelligible) by a stadium, as
happened with the American Airlines Arena. I'm also encouraged by the fact that a
couple of you had spoken in favor of a river site, which is, I think, a magnificent idea,
but, Mr. Mayor, I take notice of something that you and Commissioner -- you last Friday
and Commissioner Sanchez today have said, and that is when you are negotiating in the
next few months with the many owners of any of the sites that have been proposed -- and
I believe, Mr. Manager, that all three of the sites that you have proposed are owned by
multiple private owners. And I quote Mayor Carollo in a forum that we had on Friday,
that was aired on Saturday, on Channel 51, "it is very difficult to negotiate if you don't
have alternatives. And, so, with the help of an architect that I would like to introduce,
J.C. Garrido, Juan Carlos Garrido, we looked at other sites and came up with one that
preserves Bicentennial Park in its entirety, and, in fact, enhances Bicentennial Park, uses
the air rights over Biscayne Boulevard to provide an extra three and a half acre, at no cost
to the City, and connects to Park West and the redevelopment area that Commissioner
Teele has been trying to develop for so many years and many other members of this
Commission, including myself, in my prior tenure. I want to suggest to you -- first of all,
29 March 15, 2001
I want to tell you that the renderings that have been put together by Mr. Garrido are
hereby donated to the City of Miami. They are pretty much interchangeable as to site.
We have sections; we have floor plans; we have a site preparation that makes it very
inexpensive to build, as we have proposed it. We're saddened that the City Manager, in
his analysis and his consultants, have suggested that this would cost an extra hundred
million dollars ($100,000,000) to build as we propose straddling Biscayne Boulevard. In
fact, I will be submitting to you, in the next two days, a detailed analysis that shows that
it would cost no more than fourteen million dollars ($14,000,000), which is comparable
to the site preparation and cost of constructing the parking that the other sites would
require. In closing, let me ask you if you would not consider, Mr. Mayor and
Commissioners, an ancillary motion or amendment to the existing ...
Walter Foeman (City Clerk): Two minutes have expired, Mr. Mayor.
Mayor Carollo: Mr. Suarez...
Mr. Suarez: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. I'm just going to propose the
Mayor Carollo: Your two minutes are up. I'll graciously give you another few seconds.
Mr. Suarez: I'm just going to propose the idea of applying for the air rights over
Biscayne Boulevard because it is a solution to bringing Bicentennial to life and you don't
lose anything by it, except a small fee of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), which I have
proposed to raise on behalf of the City, in addition to the architectural and engineering
and legal work. Again, I commend this Commission for its efforts. I commend
Commissioner Regalado for fighting for the Orange Bowl as a site. I wish the City had
done something a year ago in renegotiating that lease so that we would have a buy-out
option, and I hope that this Commission will move very quickly to obtain -- and with the
help of the County Mayor and County Commissioners, to obtain the funding so that the
Marlins will stay in our great City. Thank you.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you for your input.
Fernando Gonzalez: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners of Miami, my name is Fernando
Gonzalez. I am a neighbor here from this neighborhood. Everybody knows me.
Mayor Carollo: Sir, if you could speak -- I'm sorry.
Mr. Gonzalez: Everybody knows me, right.
Mayor Carollo: Speak close to the mike, if you would.
Mr. Gonzalez: Yeah, OK. My name is Fernando Gonzalez.
Mayor Carollo: And what -- hold on for a second. Each person is going to have two
minutes. There's a real long line, so we're going to limit it to two minutes. So, if you
30 March 15, 2001
could start now, I would appreciate it. But speak closer to the mike.
Mr. Gonzalez: OK. Two minutes to Suarez; one minute for me. OK. That's all right.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you.
Mr. Gonzalez: OK. We want -- I came here representing my organization of my people
here in Little Havana and part of the Overtown. And I want to ask you -- all of you to
please reconsider; to make the most sad place on Miami an ugly and a place that anybody
at any time going to see during the day or night make the most beautiful place on Miami.
The stadium in the Bicentennial Park, we want that. We, the neighbors, we work for that.
The Bicentennial is going to bring a lot of jobs. It's going to improve our areas. And
we're going to have close to our home -- our neighborhood the most beautiful stadium in
the whole State of Florida. And the most beautiful place in a very sad ugly place, what is
now. I would like to ask anybody here, who's going to see during the day and night the
Bicentennial Park right now? Not even the birds are over there. Nobody. Only drug
addicts and the bad people are surrounded over there and everybody knows that over
here. Let's go into the future. Let's go into see something that I would like to save my
grandsons over here -- my children that were born over here. A new, a beautiful stadium
in the most beautiful place in Miami. The Bicentennial Park, an empty, ugly, ugly
looking piece of land right now. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, sir.
Jorge Espinel: Mr. Mayor, my name is Jorge Espinel. I head the Miami Urban Watch. I
concur with the idea of building a stadium on the river, but I also think it's very important
to take into account and really analyze the issue of the stadium in the Orange Bowl area,
particularly given the fact that the Orange Bowl is in a very, very bad condition, and in a
few year's time, we're going to be left with a white elephant on our hands, not knowing
what to do with that. It's 35 acres of land. It's one of the prime locations here in Miami,
and it has all the advantages. It has no cost whatsoever, and let me point this out ability
public transportation. The issue about an east/west rail line has been left up in the air at
this point because there's no funding. The east/west line is supposed to come right by the
Orange Bowl and have a stop there. I would guarantee -- or I would suggest, rather, that
if a stadium were built on that site, it would be far easier tomorrow to get funding for the
transportation for that east/west line. So, that's something that you should consider in
terms of strategy. But most of all, consider that baseball stadium in -- at the Orange
Bowl would be in Little Havana a place that it has so much meaning for this community,
and it's something that would definitely enhance all the values of the area. And when you
talk about development in Miami, and when you talk about benefits to Miami, realize that
Little Havana is pretty much in the center of just as close to the center of Miami and it's a
stadium that would be -- bring a lot of development to the area. Also consider this: that
the people in Little Havana would be probably the most able to take care of building such
as this, and to work with the building over the years and to bring it to life. So, I would
31 March 15, 2001
just say, to conclude, that certainly the stadium alternative is a very, very good
alternative, but consider as a second option ...
Mayor Carollo: Jorge, I'm sorry. Two minutes are up. Thank you very much for your
input.
Mr. Espinel: Thank you. Just consider that as a second option. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: Thank you.
Kenneth Newman: Commissioners, Mayor, I'd like to thank you for being able to watch
this great cooperation in working with the Marlins. I hope that the Marlins are just
interested -- definitely interested in working hand in hand with the City in order to
provide this baseball stadium at the River, and I also hope that the Marlins are going to
make the stadium available to youth baseball when they're out of town. That the City is
going to go out of its way to help to build the Marlins a stadium, when the stadium is not
being used on days when the Marlins are out of town or in the off season, perhaps some
of the stadium -- we don't have enough athletic facilities for young people in this
community, and the Marlins might be able to provide 15 or 20 days a year for the use of
the diamond in the stadium. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Next.
Christopher Beaton: My name is Christopher Beaton. I'm a 44 -year-old software
engineer. My wife and I have been season ticket holders for the Marlins since in
inaugural season in '93, and we've been written about in all the local papers because we're
among the biggest Marlins fans. We've seen the Marlins in 19 cities after this year it's
going to be 24, so I know a lot about stadiums, and I know a lot about what the aesthetic
value of a stadium can do for the City. For that reason, in my opinion, I recommend the
Riverfront site, if we can't have the Bicentennial site, for a purely aesthetic -- the
aesthetic value of the beauty of the City of Miami and the background, as well as the
river. I've seen every single one of the new -- almost every single one of the new
stadiums and I'm going to be hitting Pack Valley in Milwaukee this year, and I think that
what we have in mind and what we could do with Riverfront compares very favorably
with those stadiums and will do so -- will do the same thing for our great City. Thank
you.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, sir. If you could hold on for one second, sir. I'd like to
make an announcement. I just been informed that one of the greater personality that we
have had in radio in Miami, one of the pioneers of Spanish-speaking radio, Emilio
Milian, has just died, and I'd like ask everyone here if we could take 30 seconds of
silence in memory of Mr. Milian and his great contributions to Miami. Thank you very
32 March 15, 2001
much. Go ahead, sir. I'm sorry.
Bill Jones: I represent the MBL, Miami Baseball Lovers. Our membership is over 8000.
We are on the Internet. Next week, two weeks, that number will be squared, which will
be over 64 million. Commissioners, we are all stockholders in the City of Miami, and
you, the Commissioners, are our board of directors. Hey, be quiet, please. You were
about to make a big business decision. Bicentennial Park has always been a dump and
always will be a dump. The sensible thing to do is to replace it with a new ballpark.
Why? One. Us taxpayers already own the land. Two: You don't have to spend our
money to buy more land. Three: You don't have to spend our money to move any
freaking utilities. Four: You don't have to spend our money ...
Commissioner Winton: What kind of utilities?
Mr. Jones: -- to dig up or move Biscayne Boulevard. Five: You don't have to spend our
money for payola because a temptation will be minimized. Six: Since most games are
night, destruction of Port traffic will not be a problem. Seven: Construction can start
immediately. Eight: The Marlins will bring in millions. How much will anything else
bring in? Keep it simple and may God guide you. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, sir.
Mr. Jose Cruz: (Comments in Spanish)
(APPLAUSE)
Mayor Carollo: (Comments in Spanish) Sylvia, can you do it?
Mr. Cruz: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Mayor Carollo: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Mr. Cruz (THROUGH THE INTERPRETER SYLVIA LOWMAN, ASSISTANT CITY
CLERK): He said that 90 percent of the people here speak Spanish. He says that Little
Havana -- he fears that the stadium should be built at the Orange Bowl because they
would be cheaper to do it there. It's accessible to the expressways, and the meeting
should be held in both Spanish and English. He's an American citizen. He speaks
English. The stadium should stay at the Orange Bowl. Congratulations to the Mayor.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Luis Meurice: Mr. Mayor and City Commission, I'm here on behalf of the International
Longshoremen. A lot of the work is on the Port of Miami, represent thousands of
33 March 15, 2001
workers on the port, including the truck drivers that are working in an out of the port. I
don't know if you're aware but our Port is a growing port, OK, which is open 24 hours a
day to shipping. We have ships that are coming in from all over the world. OK. To
hamper anymore traffic coming in and out of the port, I think, is going to be devastating
to the community. That's why we, at the Port of Miami, are in favor of the Riverfront
site. Thank you very much.
(APPLAUSE)
Frances Malone: Frances Malone. I've lived in Little Havana since 1962 and I'm
surprised here anybody talks about the river site. Everything I read about says it's so
small; you have to put all the buildings materials inside the ballpark and then build from
the middle out. The man that came up before us talking about Bicentennial Park, that is
the only way to go. We already own the property, as he said. We don't have to buy
anybody out. We don't have to clear the land. It's just about as flat as it can be right now.
As far as the parking, 1500 parking places be wonderful. But just remember, we've got to
Omni there with all that parking and we've got a Metro Mover that goes right to it. Not
only that, public relations would be wonderful. Everybody driving back and forth from
Miami to the beach would see this beautiful area. It's 33 acres. It's big. Nineteen acres
for the ballpark, leaves 14 acres to put up shops, everything. We could continue the
waterfront walk right along from where it is now all the way up by the ballpark. It would
really, really be nice. And it is a wasteland as it is, but it could be taken -- it could be
beautiful. That's about all I have to say, except it's also going to be near the Performing
Arts Center. And I would like to see it number one from the presentations today, I see
this as our only -- and it's cheaper besides that -- it only takes 36 months to build,
whereas the waterfront, you said, it would take 48 months, a year longer. Bicentennial
Park Plan "A".
(APPLAUSE)
Carlos Batista: I'm Carlos Batista and I live in Park West. And I'd like to mention that
there are two proposals that I thought had a lot of value that I didn't see analyzed by the
City high professionals, and I would like to bring them back -- bring them to the
attention. One of them is a Suarez proposal, which I think has something very unique,
even for the value that it offers for the future, assuming that another site get -- were to be
chosen. (Inaudible) uses the land in Biscayne Boulevard and that's an incredible
advantage to this City. It's free landings there, air rides. He double uses it. Second. It
connects Park West with the Bicentennial. I live in Park West. I would love to have a
pedestrian overpass surrounded by complete stadium that will bring every -- all the public
walking and bringing their children over to Bicentennial. That doesn't exist at this
moment. Instead, we have the arena, which is very anti pedestrian. It's empty all the
time. It doesn't solve a particular problem. The second site that I would like to bring
forth to the public and to you. I know you have seen it before -- is by the river, which is
really my favorite site, but not on the east side of the Metrorail, but on the west side of
Metrorail. Most likely, 2nd Avenue and put a stadium there. As a matter of fact, it's not
absurd to think about eliminating the City building, and using the entire site because you
34 March 15, 2001
have only three ownerships, and then the fourth is the City. You move 2nd and you move
the street also, and you take that entire site. It's bigger than the one on the east side, and
it will accommodate a stadium in a beautiful way, and also the ball can land on the river
if it's a home run. Thank you.
Emiliano Antunez: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners. My name is Emiliano Antunez. I live
in Coral Gate. I think it's rather unusual -- and I know that I'm not playing -- I'm
definitely not playing with a crowd here -- I know it's rather unusual that owing money
on the Miami Arena, with the example of the James L. Knight Center, that we're
considering, at this moment, spending more taxpayers' money on a baseball stadium.
Now, that being said, I would suggest just simply that before any decision is made on a
site, that a referendum be put before the public. If you are the -- if we're the share holders
and you're board of directors of this corporation -- we'll call it Miami -- I think that the
share holders and the contributors to the corporation, the investors of the corporation
should have a say, if there is going to be a half-billon dollar investment in any kind of --
in anything, especially when it comes to an investment in a four profit private enterprise.
Thank you and have a nice day.
(APPLAUSE)
Darrion Cera: Thank you for this opportunity. I have to agree with the previous speaker.
I think a baseball stadium is a great idea for our downtown. I think it could do great
things for our downtown, as long as it's designed within a greater urban plan for a City. A
vision of our City's future. Show us the vision of our City's future and show us how that
baseball stadium fits into that vision, and you'll have no trouble getting our approval. All
we want to know is, what is the stadium going to do for our City, not how much it's going
to cost and not where is it going to go? But what is it going to return to us in the future?
And not only financially, but culturally for our City. What is it going to do for us? What
is it going to do to transform our downtown from what it is today into what it could be?
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Ann Carlton: My name is Ann Carlton. I live in the Upper East Side, Shore Crest to be
exact. And I am in total agreement with the person who is representing the Marlins. We
have -- we must, above all things, unite this City. We must have it in an area on the
Miami River, which everyone in the area wants. I hope that you will seriously consider
it. On behalf of the people of the northeast, Upper East Side, we wish to thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Jesus Ojito: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Mayor Carollo: Sylvia, can you help?
35 March 15, 2001
Mr. Ojito (THROUGH THE INTERPRETER SYLVIA LOWMAN, ASSISTANT CITY
CLERK): My name is Jesus Ojito. I support the Marlins Stadium. I have a message for
the Miami City Commission, basically.
Commissioner Winton: Excuse me. That is not all he said and I don't understand.
Mayor Carollo: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Mr. Ojito (THROUGH THE INTERPRETER SYLVIA LOWMAN, ASSISTANT CITY
CLERK): The message that I bring to the Commissioners, the voters of the City of
Miami, and from the County: My group has about 650 people. We're very comfortable
with the political decision, with the decision that you are taking about the stadium. We
urge you, please, that the Marlins don't wait one more minute. We have to make a
decision today because we're cannot to lose the Marlins. The ones that love the Marlins
and love Miami cannot permit for the stadium issue to be -- cannot politicize the issue of
the stadium. The people from the most humble to the upper ranks know what is going
on. I urge you to do what is best for Miami. Something else. There is information in the
radio that is a crime for political reasons and personal reasons, and even a child three
years old know what's going on. That is the message that I bring from the people.
They're saying that one seat is going to cost from one hundred to hundred and fifty
dollars ($150), and I consider that to be a crime. That parking is going to cost God
knows what. That the stadium will cost somewhere between one million to seven
hundred million dollars ($700,000,000), and...
Commissioner Sanchez: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
(APPLAUSE)
Robert Parente: Good afternoon. My name is Robert Parente. I'm a life-long citizen of
Miami and also Chairman of your Waterfront Board. Commissioner Sanchez, thank you
for inviting us to this part of your district, and, by the way, some friends of mine just
opened a Chinese restaurant on Flagler and 8th, so if you're hungry after the meeting,
(inaudible) in right around the corner. Give them the business. They need it. I'm here --
privately and not just the waterfront Chairman. I'd like to thank you for a fantastic
decision. It's absolutely incredible. I think it's the best choice. Bicentennial Park is not
free. If you're going to develop it, sell it for one hundred and twenty million dollars
($120,000,000) and get the fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) a year taxes it would
generate. If you put a stadium there and give it away to the Marlins, it's absolutely a
complete waste of money. I would like to ask you to make sure that the Marlins keep
track of a couple of things, that we have a thing called the Miami River Greenway Plan
now. We would like them to celebrate that when they build and design their stadium, and
I've never heard anybody talk about other uses for the stadium beyond the 80 or 90 games
that the Marlins might play in it, including the world series, of course, during their tenor.
So, if you would please encourage the Marlins, Mr. Manager, to design the stadium for
other uses, convention hall use, the use — the Houston Astrodome is a use. Many, many
days of the year -- after the baseball season, would like to have you keep that in mind.
36 March 15, 2001
And, also, but please encourage them to understand that they have the opportunity to
have quite a few of their patrons arrive to the stadium by boat. They wouldn't need to
drive. They could come by boat. Thank you very much.
Albert Pons: My name is Albert Pons. Commissioners, I have a very brief message. I
listen to all the presentations and I believe it's crystal clear that the Riverfront is the one
that have to be chosen for the simple reason: Number one, it's only two people to deal
with. Number two, there's very, very little disposition about replacing people, taking
people out of homes and so on, traffic, the Metrorail goes right into the park. There's
plenty of parking around the City, which, at night, when most of the games are played, is
available to the people. And 95 goes right around it. And number two; there are grants
for an eye sore which is a shame. The Miami River is a beautiful thing. And to revitalize
the river. And there's grant available at this time for that. And that's all I've got to say.
Thank you, sir.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you.
David Paniri: Mr. Mayor, Commissioner, I couldn't concur more with the previous
speaker, and I think the Miami River would be the best and the most ideal place to put the
stadium. Thank you.
Nancy Lee: Hi. My name is Nancy Lee and I want to thank you for taking Bicentennial
Park off the table. On behalf of the three thousand members of the Sierra Club.
Speaking as an individual, although I prefer the river site, I am not in favor of public
funding. Financing based on projections of attendance is dangerous. I don't want funds
from my pocketbook going to the stadium and projections will cost all of us. No more
bad deals. Thank you.
Mariano Cruz. I'd rather pass now because I don't see my Commissioner here. Let them
go. Well, still, the Commissioner is not there. But my name is Mariano Cruz, 1227
Northwest 26th Street. I'm going to save the (inaudible) at the end of my dissertation.
But I heard many things today about the benefit of the City, the best interest of the City,
and all that. What is the best interest of the City? The financial things. How much it's
going to cost us to bottom line the residents of the Miami? It will become another James
L. Knight Center or Miami Arena or anything because all these people are very interested
what it is, OPM, Other People's Money, or we say taxpayers' money, because that's what
I want to -- what I worry about. Because everybody repeat the best interest and the whole
thing of the City. The best interest or the residents of the City. I don't see that. Why?
How come the Marlins -- when the Bobby Maduro Miami Stadium sat there for years,
they didn't buy that stadium? They have the chance to buy the Bobby Maduro Stadium
and they were going to get five million from the national league and they would have
built a minor league training facility there. No. That (inaudible) to the Marlins. Very,
very -- and now they come and they expect more millions of dollars in public relations
and have paid lawyers and lobbyists. They are paid. Because I remember even the time
that they get Mr. Rolando Llanes, from the UN, lobbying I think two or three years ago. I
remember that. And what has become now -- it's becoming -- in two years nothing has
37 March 15, 2001
changed. It's becoming another Roman Coliseum. Get bread and circles to the people,
huh? Don't worry about anything else. That's what they're doing there. And now I'm
going to say one thing. What they're doing here is, like in German say, diverse in other
tactics. The thing about the site -- one of the main things here is the money issue. Look
at how many people here that never come to Little Havana because they smell money,
plenty of money from the City taxpayers, the second poorest City in America, and that's
why this. And I remember another thing. My site Orange Bowl site. That's the site that I
prefer because ...
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, Mr. Cruz. Your time is up. Please, please, please, please.
Mr. Cruz, you're...
Commissioner Winton: Excuse me. Mr. Mayor, I think it's very rude of the -- I don't
think that booing should be allowed in this room. Everybody has a right to their opinion;
everybody in this room has a right to their opinion, and to be booing someone for their
opinion is not right.
Mr. Cruz: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, Commissioner Winton. Thank you, Mr. Cruz. Next, please.
Brett Bibeau: Honorable City Commission, City staff, members of the public. Good
afternoon. My name is Brett Bibeau and I'm the Assistant Director of the Miami River
Commission. It's difficult to get almost two years of hard work into two minutes, but I've
learned to speak quickly, so I'm going to do my best. Miami River Commission
unanimously passed a resolution supporting a new Miami Marlins Baseball Stadium in
downtown Miami to the east of Metrorail, west of Miami Avenue, south of I-95 off -ramp
and north of the Miami River. I would like to read several facts regarding the Riverside
stadium location into the record. The river site stadium location is the best site for mass
transportation, as Metrorail and Metro Mover immediately adjacent to the site.
Preliminary architectural renderings, designed a Metrorail station in the west side of the
stadium itself, and Federal Department of Transportation funding may be used for the
Metrorail station. There were over twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) existing downtown
parking spaces available at game time within walking distance of the river site location.
The River site location is the closest of the stadium sites being considered to major
hotels, including the Hyatt Regency, Sheraton, Biscayne Bay, Mandarin, Clarion Suites,
Holiday Inn, Ramada Dupont Plaza, Miami River, and et cetera, a total of over 2000
hotel rooms. The river site location is the closest to the central downtown business
district, including the First Union Financial Center, 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, the
City and County administration buildings, et cetera. The river site stadium site has been
vacant for over 10 years with no building structures. A stadium in the river site location
would enhance the downtown Riverside entertainment district and bring new businesses
to the blighted Miami River corridor. A stadium would be an exciting destination along
the river walk. A stadium at river site location would not interfere with the Portof Miami,
which expressed opposition to the stadium in all three Bicentennial Park sites. The river
site location also does not interfere with the Performing Arts Center, nor the American
38 March 15, 2001
Airlines Arena. The land acquisition costs to the river site location is approximately 45
million, which is less than half that of Bicentennial Park. Stadium will result in
appreciation of a 17 City owned parcels in the Miami River corridor, a Florida
Department of Transportation has allocated a million two hundred and sixty thousand
dollars ($1,260,000), as stated by your consultants, for a river walk at the river site
location. Bryan Finnie, president of the Miami -Dade Empowerment Trust, has offered
million of dollars in empowerment trust bond capacity to help finance the stadium. On
February 5th, 2001,Mr. Finnie told the Miami River Commission that a stadium on the
river site would provide a much-needed economic engine, which would stimulate
redevelopment of the blighted Miami River corridor. In conclusion, yesterday the state -
created community improvement authority unanimously recommended the Miami River
stadium location and I urge this board to take this opportunity to improve the downtown
area and the Miami River corridor. Thank you very much for your time.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you for your time. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
David Miller: David Miller, Managing Director of the Miami River Commission. The
Miami River Commission did pass this resolution in May of '99, recommending this site
and we've been looking at it for if last two years. Baseball is a partnership between the
team's owner and the community, and both entities must be totally respected and each
must be satisfied by the various agreements that are made. A Miami River site is a
fantastic and exciting site for both the Marlins franchise and the Miami community.
Imagine a stadium built on a downtown river with a Metrorail station built into the side of
the stadium. Fans that arrive by Metrorail step off the Metrorail and directly into the
stadium. No traffic hassle. A Metro Mover, two stations are on south in the east side, a
stadium at this site will take advantage of the community's massive investments in the
Metrorail and Metro Mover and may even help our citizens realize the value of mass
transit. The site provides vistas of downtown and Brickell. And since most games are in
the evening, those vistas will be a golden hue of a setting sun. The Miami River site is
walking distance from both downtown business district and many areas of Brickell and
East Little Havana. This is truly a community friendly site. One only has to visit
Fenway Park in Boston or Coors Field in Denver to see how a downtown baseball park is
both people friendly and business friendly. Imagine, a wide river walk along the Miami
River without door cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs for fans to enjoy before and after the
games. This area is pedestrian friendly. With a revitalized downtown river entertainment
district, anchored by the Marlins stadium. People will move back to the vacant buildings
of downtown, building apartments also realizing the community goals of eastward
(unintelligible). Downtown infrastructure is already available with easy access to 95,
sufficient parking with over 15000 parking spaces within a 15 -minute walk. Governor
Bush, as you may know, is recently on the river and promised to clean up the river and
promote economic development. A river stadium site will meet his goals of economic
development along the river. This site is the best for the community. And although the
not the first choice of the Marlins, it will be a location that will guarantee a 40 -year plus
successful franchise. Thank you.
39 March 15, 2001
(APPLAUSE)
Phil Everingham: Mr. Mayor, honorable Commissioners, I'm Phil Everingham. I'm the
Vice Chair of the Miami River Commission, which, as many of you know, is made up of
stakeholders of the Miami River, both for the public and private sector. And in that
capacity, the Commission, many months ago, passed a resolution, unanimously
approving that should a site for the stadium be located in downtown Miami, that that site
be the Miami River. They did so knowing the value to the river and to downtown of that
development, and how important as in many cities, the river would be for the
development of the downtown corridor. The Commission continues to supPortthat
resolution, and, again, reiterates its commitment to doing everything it can do enhance
the river, and in so doing, supports the stadium at the river site both now and in the
future. Thank you very much.
Janet Mc Ailely: My name is Janet Mc Ailely. I live at 3 Grove Aisle Drive in City of
Miami. I am a member of the Miami River Commission and I'm here in supPortof the
three speakers you've just heard. There is one caveat that I don't believe has been
mentioned relative to the Miami River Commission's position on baseball stadium on the
river. And that is, that is design of the stadium be consistent with good planning for the
river, and that includes a 50 -foot setback, as provided for by the City of Miami Charter
from the building itself to the waterfront. This would allow public access both pedestrian
traffic as well as visual access to the river. So, I hope that you're going to insist that the
stadium, which will be publicly funded, respect the Charter provision for the 50 -feet
setback from the river. Thank you.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, Ms. Mc Ailely.
Mark Steinman: My name is Mark Steinman. I want to first thank Commissioner
Sanchez for nominating the site. I think today is a great day for the Marlins organization.
I'm a businessman and I've been in downtown Miami area since 1971 and I do have a
business in Little Havana. The area that proposed, I think will be great as far as -- we all
talked about the improvement where the hotel -- the impact with hotels, I think that when
the site is built, the areas as far as the improvement, as far as the clean-up, when the area
redeveloped, it's going to be beautiful. The -- when the area is completely redone, it's
going to be, I think -- as far as, you know, bringing it all together, it's going to be
beautiful. And I want to make a big thanks to Mr. Henry. In the last two years, bringing
the team together, the amount of effort that has been put into bringing the Marlins
together, the tremendous amount of time, all the commitment in bringing the players to
the contracts, I think Mr. Henry has shown that he wants the team here, and finally, I
would just like to say truly, I think the amount of local community -- the impact of the
local vendors, the support that will come out of it will be terrific. And I just want to
thank you all for today. I think it's a great day.
Phillip Reilly: Hello. My name is Phillip Reilly. I'm from Miami Beach. I suppose I'm
a cracker by the fact that my family's been here permanent -- attempt all the time since
40 March 15, 2001
1911 and before that. I'm also a lawyer now in town. I actually thought -- think that the
first thing you should do is not decide on any particular one spot without -- with the
exclusion of the others, because it keeps the negotiation abilities going. I personally don't
believe you should spend public money on stadiums like this, but you're going to do what
you're going to do. If you do it, you should do the best after you make that decision. I
mean, my cousin, Joe Robbie, found my cousin, who kept in his bank, who kept him
afloat before they got their contract for the television from the NFL (National Football
League) or from the AFL. The point, also, is that we -- I also got some of my family to
buy land there. So, if you put it anywhere near Bicentennial Park, we'll personally
benefit, but I've got to say that most of those sites have got things for them. I like the
river site. I like the sites that the Mayor came up with actually are pretty good. Because
those start putting an emphasis on Bicentennial Park so that people will do something.
Carollo's idea first was good. Then Ferre, I liked his idea. And then Suarez' idea. Those
are all good viable options in my mind. The Park West idea, I also thought -- that's why I
thought the stadium should go originally, which is also near my property, but -- I think
what you should do is really keep your options open and -- wherever you put it, as long
as you decide to put it there, it will help that area of the community, and do it so that the
development does do things good for every place. This can be something good for the
community for the next 40 years, like they want to be here. So, take the time and plan it
right and do it right because it could do good for the community.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you, sir.
Mary Lou Winkler: Hi. I'm Mary Lou Winkler, a grandmother and I have to get to see
my grandmother -- my daughter, rather, granddaughter play softball this afternoon. So,
I'll keep it quick. I think it's great that we're going to have a new park for the Marlins, but
I'm very concerned and I'm very grateful that they say Bicentennial is out, and I'm very
concerned about the financing of it, and as a former school teacher, I remember when I
was in Michigan, we had what they call the old purpose room. I hope that this stadium
can also be thought of in terms of being all-purpose. I'm not going to give any
suggestions, but we see how quickly some of the other stadiums have become sort of
aged like I am, and I know I won't be here for 40 years to see what comes, but supposedly
what happens if the Marlins don't get the crowds that they expect and what if John Henry,
just for his own good, has to sell the Marlins and it's bye-bye and that place that's being
built at considerable expense turns out to not to be a good bargain. So, all I ask is that
you keep track of the checkbook, Commissioners. Please watch the financing and don't,
today when you pick out the venues, I hope -- because, as the previous speaker said,
being able to bargain is good business, even I know that, but -- no. Wait a minute. Boy,
I've lost -- there comes my senior moment. As you pick out the venue, please don't give
any word as to the financing about it without our voters citizens and Marlins fans and
owners let us have our input, please. We trust you to use you're good judgment and
special thanks to Mr. Winton, who sort of got something possibly going for the
Bicentennial Park. Thank you. And good choices.
(APPLAUSE)
41 March 15, 2001
Mayor Carollo: Thank you.
Jerry Reubin: Good afternoon. My name is Jerry Reubin and I'm representing a group
that's been working on the stadium proposal for the Marlins for over a year. I have a long
history in sports promotion. That was part of the Jim Nance Group that submitted a
proposal to build the Boston Garden. Now, the (inaudible) in February of 1987. Jim
Nance was the former full back for the New England Patriots, and was American
Football League player of the year in 1969, personal friend of mine. With all the
attention today being focused on site selection, one very important point has been
overlooked. All the proposed sites use tax dollars. Our proposal enables the Marlins to
build their desired stadium without the use of tax dollars. This proposal will also be one
of true urban renewal, allowing environmentalists in the business community to work
together to build a downtown area we can all be proud of. Our proposal addresses traffic
flow, recreational facilities for the citizens of Miami, increasing employment throughout
the area, and will generate tax revenue for the City, County and state. A huge economic
impact as nobody else has been able to supply. By using private sector funds rather than
tax dollars, the hotel tax can be diverted to other worthwhile community projects, such as
the Performing Arts Center. The stadium proposal was originally planned for
Bicentennial Park. We know it will work. But it will also develop existing property
available from Biscayne Boulevard west all the way to Metrorail. I'll be available to
meet with the Marlins or any other interested parties after this meeting. Thank you.
Paul Dee: Mr. Mayor, members of the Commission, Mr. City Manager. My name is Paul
Dee. I'm from the University of Miami. And I thank you for the opportunity to speak to
you all, albeit briefly today. We welcome the Marlins to Miami, their rightful home, and
being the Miami Marlins, we are and also engaged in the in sport and we welcome them
to this community, and we look back on the fact that 66 years ago, your predecessors
entered an agreement with the University of Miami to build a small stadium, which was
on the outskirts of town at the time, which now has become the Orange Bowl. We would
only request, as you're moving forward in that, is that the Marlins be here in 66 years;
that they be at the Riverfront; that they have the same opportunities that we have, but
what we would like to propose to you, is you go forward is to keep in mind that the
University of Miami has been at the Orange Bowl for 66 years and wants to remain at the
Orange Bowl for a long, long time to come. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: And we'd love to keep you for a long time. You're the greatest.
Lawrence Ress: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. By going to the Park West
Overtown area with the stadium, too many problems arise that affect too many entities.
Besides the already mentioned fact about choking the Port's traffic, the people of
Overtown, again, get a gargantuan project that will do little to enhance their residential
redevelopment prospects. Instead of decent housing now, with so many flop houses
already within shouting distance of the proposed sites, the problem of hustlers promising
watch your car for a small stipend will be greatly increased from what's already happened
42 March 15, 2001
for years at the Miami Arena. Remember, baseball has bigger crowds than hockey or
basketball has and with so many home dates, gee, someone could make a decent tax-free
living. This is why the river site makes so much sense. It's got a large residential area
within walking distance, albeit, one that will refrain from shaking you down for parking,
and numerous hotels nearby. By building a stadium along the river, this can give
Overtown the chance to get back into the business of becoming a vibrant residential
community. It will also permit Port traffic; the new arena, the up coming symphony hall,
and the opera house, along with the redesign, people friendly Bicentennial Park to thrive,
instead of being crowded out by baseball. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Next.
Raissa Fernandez: Yes. Hi. My name is Raissa and I'm a member of the CAA Board
and also youth representative for the East Little Havana area and I'm here because -- to
tell the Commission to remember about our youth. The streets that we live in. East Little
Havana streets are horrible. The schools, they don't have any youth programs for sports
in our parks. They keep on constantly saying there's no money for those parks; those
parks are closed; there's no sports activities for those kids. Let's remember about the kids
that we have; lets remember about the youth, OK, and about our streets and about our
businesses also. I believe in a ballpark, but let's remember about the money that you
deny everyday to those kids for programs, for youth initiatives and stuff that are to deal
with the kids in our community. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Next.
Sharon Manassa: Hello. I'm Sharon Manassa, and I'm just an ordinary citizen that wants
you to hear my ideas. When I'm thinking about the location of the arena, I want a
location that challenges downtown, and I'm talking aesthetically. I feel we need to
choose the location that's the most dynamic because the goal the to revitalize downtown.
I think the Riverfront is the best location because it is the most unique. I don't like the
Bicentennial options because the BAC and the American Airline Arena is already there,
and we don't need redundancy. Yes, the Riverfront costs more. Yes, it is a longer
project. Well, maybe doesn't cost more. We have to pay for it more. That's what I'm
hearing from everyone else. And, yes, it's architecturally more complex. But I think all
of that will translate into the highest impact for Miami. I think the Riverfront is the best
option because it will give us the best return on our investment. Basically, I like the
Riverfront because it's worth it.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, ma'am. Next.
Raisa Fernandez: Good afternoon. My name is Raisa Fernandez. Thank you,
Commissioners, Mayor, for being here in our area. I just want to say that I'm not against
43 March 15, 2001
the baseball stadium. I'm against using public money for a stadium. Remember the
Miami Arena and I still remember Bobby Maduro. Mr. Commissioners, especially you,
Joe Sanchez, this is your district. What happens to our kids, thousands of them, right
here in East Little Havana and Overtown, that are deprived daily of a high quality
education? After school programs, like tutoring, sports, and many others. And if there's
one that I do not know about, they're very little or they have some cost to them, which
thousands of families in this area cannot afford. So, why not use these millions we
apparently have for our children? And I thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Next.
Omar Lopez: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Vice Chairman Gort: What was that again?
Sylvia Lowman (Assistant City Clerk): He doesn't speak English.
Vice Chairman Gort: Oh a translator, OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: Slow. (COMMENTS IN SPANISH) Go ahead.
Mr. Lopez (Through the interpreter Sylvia Lowman, Assistant City Clerk): My name is
Omar Lopez. I thank God that I can be here in front of the City Commissioners. We are
also the civilized people. We know what we have in the City of Miami. In union there is
strength. For united we can do a lot for the City of Miami. We support-- it would bring a
lot of benefits to the City. We will see it in five or six years. OK. I support the project
that is going to be built. May be the best for Miami. Let's work all together. Miami has
suffered many wounds. And we want happiness for the City of Miami so that our
children and grandchildren can enjoy it.
Commissioner Regalado: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Mr. Lopez: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Commissioner Regalado: (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Mr. Lopez (COMMENTS IN SPANISH)
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you.
Jorge Rovirosa: Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, members of the board of Commissioners,
Mr. City Manager. My name is Jorge Rovirosa. I'm here as co-chair man of the Greater
Miami Chamber of Commerce Seaport Alliance Subcommittee. I like to tell you that out
of the three sites proposed, the river site would have less of an impact, negative impact on
44 March 15, 2001
the operations, 24 operations of the Port of Miami. Also, like to let you know that we
have been sitting down with the Marlins for the last couple of weeks, and they do
understand how important the Port of Miami is to the economic vitality of this
community, with a five -- I'm sorry -- an eight billon economic impact a year. Therefore,
I would like to challenge you, as well as the County Commission, to take on with the
same vigor and enthusiasm as you have with the Marlins to help us finding a better
solution to or access to and from the Port of Miami. The access that we have today is
third world and we need to fix it. And I know that Commissioner Teele has been very
active in trying to help us, but we really need a comprehensive effort by the City
Commission and the County Commission. So, I want to thank you very much and let's
get on with the show.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, sir. Next.
Greg Bush: I'm Greg Bush, chair of the Parks Advisory Board. And I'm here to have a
very simple message, and that is to thank you all for a lot of the wisdom I know that you
put into this for a long period of time; I want to thank the Marlins for taking Bicentennial
Park off the map and look forward to a lot of people working together down the line. I
want to thank Commissioner Sanchez for the original resolution to redesign Bicentennial
Park, and I also want to thank Commissioner Johnny Winton for incredible amount of
work in trying to move the whole process forward in redesigning that park and making
the whole area work for all of you. So, I want to thank all the Commission. Thank you.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, sir.
(APPLAUSE)
Vice Chairman Gort: We'll now close the public hearings and additional comments from
the board.
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, there is a motion and a second.
Vice Chairman Gort: I know there's a motion, but discussion on the motion.
Commissioner Regalado: Yes. Discussion of the motion. I would have hoped that the
motion would have been presented after the public hearing, but it's OK. We know where
we're going. But it's important to hear the people. I think that it's important that all the
entity involved will get a message that this government supports the project and I have
been talking and asked the Commission and the Commission supported to direct the
Manager to consider the Orange Bowl site. I knew then, as I know now, that there wasn't
the support, but I thought that it was important to bring the focus of the attention to the
Orange Bowl because the Orange Bowl is used by hundreds of thousands of people a
45 March 15, 2001
year and a lot of them are not Miami residents. When we discussed the Orange Bowl, we
were told that the Marlins didn't think at that time that it was a good site; the Manager
came up with what I think is a good idea, but it's not recommended. So, I just think that I
did my part in bringing the attention of the community to the Orange Bowl because if we
don't do something with the Orange Bowl and in this Orange Bowl, it would become
Bobby Maduro, the sequel, eventually, even with the Hurricanes and the different
activities that we had. The other issue that I would like to address is Bicentennial. You
know, a lot of people said that this is or was a business deal. Well, I don't think so. This
is a public opinion deal. This doesn't have to do anything, at least until we begin the
negotiations. This is a public opinion. This is an issue that has consumed the community
and everybody has participated. The Commission decided, even before today, to
abandon Bicentennial as a site, but I think that it served the purpose and for that we have
to thank the Marlins to recognize that we need to do something with Bicentennial.
Because you know, one year from now we're going to be sitting in City Hall and those
people here that said well Bicentennial is the best place, are going to be pointing fingers
at us saying, well, the homeless are still there. People cannot go to Bicentennial. So,
those same people that have very angrily demand that we abandon Bicentennial should be
called upon to help us. The port, the different companies. Even the Marlins. I believe
that at least we have focused on Bicentennial. So, what I'm trying to say is that I try -- I
thought and I still think that the Orange Bowl, the complex or expansion will be a great
site, but like I said before, I will be willing to follow the will of the majority of the City
Commission because we need to show unity and strength, and we need to support the
other government entities that are going to be dealing with this issue in the next days or
weeks. So, I guess that I am, Mr. Chairman, ready to vote, but I think that we need to tell
the people of Miami that, yes, we are selecting a site and that, yes, we are participating on
an investment, but we are hoping, we're hoping to get a great return in our investment and
if we don't do that, if we don't get that, City money will not be used for this project. And
I think that everybody understands that in terms of the different agencies involved, but it's
important that the people of Miami know that this is something for much, not nothing for
nothing. So, Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman could I ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, Commissioner Regalado.
Commissioner Sanchez: If I could address that point. Mr. Chairman, if I may address
that point, being that I am the Commissioner for that district. First of all, I, too, did look
at both options at the Orange Bowl, and after reviewing both sides and looking at it, there
are some things to take into consideration here. One was that the Marlins made it very
clear that it was not feasible site for. Two, the site did not fall under the Empowerment
Zone. Three, you would have had to remove 83 individuals from the property and you're
probably saying 83 times four or six families. These were elderly people who live in my
district. They would have been moved out of their house and relocate some places,
which is a significant inconvenience. Second, we would have had to purchase 94 parcels
of land dealing with independent owners, which would have made this very, very
difficult. So, the sites I did consider it, would have an important impact in that area?
46 March 15, 2001
Yes, it would. But there are other sites into consideration that we're placing here, and I'll
tell you why I selected the river site. One, the river site -- and we've spoken for years to
try to bring a revitalization to the river. Right now we're spending -- we will spend
millions to clean up the River. The Governor has proposed cleaning up the river, and we
see a start of an economical renaissance that will come to that area. Building the stadium
there will be so important for that area because you will have an opportunity to basically
to walk out of a stadium and walk on to the river. There are a lot of factors that are
positive. There are also some negatives but we had to make a decision on the best
possible site, and that's why that motion is presented on this table today on the river site.
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you, Commissioner Sanchez. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Commissioner Teele.
Commissioner Teele: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Mayor. The most
important decision that we're making today, I think, is a non decision, and I want to start
by expressing my heartfelt and sincere appreciation to my colleague, Commissioner
Johnny Winton. The decision not to build the baseball stadium in Bicentennial Park is a
great decision for the City of Miami, and I know that there are a lot of people who have
worked --
(APPLAUSE)
Commissioner Teele: -- who have worked very hard. The environmental community,
that is, for so long, fought to keep some open areas of the City, and many other civic
activists that have come to the forefront lately. But I think it's very clear that one person
can make a difference. One person has made a difference. And, Commissioner Winton,
I think generations yet unborn oh, you a great debt of gratitude, in that you represent the
district; you were an advocate for what you believed and a champion for what you
believed, and I really do think that wherever the baseball stadium goes, is really, in many
ways, anti climatic. The important decision is that baseball will not go into Bicentennial
Park and now the responsibility shifts in double high gear to the Manager, his directors,
planning director, and the other directors, to make something happen. But, Johnny, I
think this is the most important decision that this Commission has made since I've been
here and I am very, very pleased to serve with you as a Commissioner. Because you
have truly protected the City of Miami. Now, having said that, I think the real challenge
now is to make something positive happen, and we have delayed the decision on the
Bicentennial until after this vote, and I'm going to be pounding you and urging you and
cajoling you and the Manager and the director and to come forward with some
professional ideas. I think one of the problems that we have and the challenge that I'm
having today is, assuming the responsibility of leadership, which the five of us have as
the board of directors, and the Mayor, who has a veto, does not give us any innate power
the day we were elected, and we're well served to remember that being a Commissioner
does not convey any special knowledge or insight, and I think, to a great extent, we have
47 March 15, 2001
to rely upon our professional staff and our professional recommendations, and, so, as we
move forward with this Bicentennial Park decision, I think we need to be moving on two
tracks. One, we have the Marlin track. But we're not responsible for the financing or the
construction, the design. Our role has been limited in the Marlin track to site designation
and acquisition, largely. The other track, we're it, and, so, I don't want to lose this
moment by saying we've done a great job. Now, let's go on. Because I think the greater
opportunity is to show the Marlins how to build something and get it done and have a
great Bicentennial Park while they're still struggling around trying to figure out how to
build the stadium.
(APPLAUSE)
Commissioner Teele: So, I want to put the gauntlet in that regard, Johnny, that we really
do have a real opportunity and, for that reason, I have not attempted to be an advocate for
any site because I really did think and I really do feel that the most important site is the
Bicentennial site and what we're going to do there, hopefully, something other than
baseball, as we have accomplished. Now, we're here today with several resolutions
before us. The resolution that guides our action today is a resolution, 101-150 (sic),
which was passed on February 15th, and that resolution restates and endorses, in
principal, the concept of the baseball in the City of Miami, conditioned upon the City
being exempted from environmental remediation responsibilities, and it further is restated
that the City will not participate in the financing of the construction of the stadium,
except as it relates to the aforementioned discussion regarding the parking surcharge
revenue. And two, it says that the City will be provided a revenue stream for the land,
and, three, the issue that I'm very much hung up with, the third issue is that the Miami -
Dade County will resolve all financial issues pending between the City and Miami -Dade
to the City's satisfaction. Now, we unanimously dealt with this. I'm being advised that
the Mayor of the County met with several Commissioners over the past two or three days,
and I'm going to ask rhetorically for a moment, but, gentlemen, the City didn't just get
broke. The City got broke over 20 or 30 years of commissioners and mayors rushing to
do what lobbyists want us to do, and what the County wants us to do and really giving up
our obligations and responsibilities as stewards of the City of Miami and to protect the
taxpayers and citizens of the City of Miami. Mr. Manager, have you all reached -- this
was a condition of this meeting today. This was one of the conditions of the meetings.
You've not provided much briefing. We've had some private discussions on it. I would
also call your attention to my memo dated March 8th to the Manager. It is my
understanding, again, that the Commission established a timeline of the context of the
special to address the significant and outstanding financial issues between the City and
the County. Here we go again. We're all being called by lobbyists and officials and
people that -- where are we protecting the citizens of this City? We've got a series of
issues, Mr. Manager that cost the taxpayers of this City literally tens of millions of dollars
each year. These issues have not been addressed. The County, adroitly demurs, avoids
dealing with it, and why not? I mean, if you're not paying and you're sticking it to
somebody, why communicate about it? Just go ahead. So, here we go again. Now, I
need to know, Mr. Manager, have we reached any discussion or have we reached any
agreement on these issues that are a part of the resolution that bring us here today? The
48 March 15, 2001
resolution of February 15th, in which we said that we would meet today and it was
conditioned on three things -- four things. Have you all had -- have you and the County
Manager reached any agreement? Have any of the Commissioners who met with the
Mayor, Mayor Penelas, is there anything that anybody wants to put on the table an report
today, that you all have reached a decision or are we, again, rushing to make a decision
on something on a timeline that's being driven? Mr. Manager.
Mr. Gimenez: Commissioner, we -- I've met personally with the County Manager and
Assistant City Manager. Bob Nachlinger met with George Burgess on several occasions,
and while we may seem to be closer to resolving some of these issues, I can't say, no,
we're not -- we haven't resolved the issues.
Commissioner Teele: We have a payment in lieu of taxes, which the attorney -- I've
asked you, Mr. Attorney, is that payment in lieu of taxes in violation of statute against --
rule against perpetuity or statute of fraud? Is there -- have we reached any agreement
with the City regarding the payment in lieu of taxes for public housing, which goes back
at least 20 years, in which the County has not been making the payments pursuant to that
agreement? Has this County been making payments pursuant to that agreement? .
Alejandro Vilarello (City Attorney): They've been making payments, but not as required
by the agreement. Over a period of the last three years, the City's internal auditors
indicated that they are in arrears in excess of one point six million dollars ($1.6 million).
Commissioner Teele: Of how much?
Mr. Vilarello: One point six million dollars ($1.6 million).
Commissioner Teele: How much are they supposed to pay a year to the City?
Mr. Vilarello: I don't have that exact figure, Commissioner, but I believe that one point
six million only goes back over a period of three or four years and they -- incorrect
payments could not be confirmed for a period of over 10 years.
Commissioner Teele: The fire fee alone, and the study that documented the costs of
public housing for the fire fee, clearly supports an documents the number of fire calls as
just one example of the payment in lieu of taxes. Is the County making any payments
under the fire fee?
Mr. Vilarello: No, Commissioner.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Similarly, the County has a lawsuit against the City on
the surcharge or at least an arbitration. Has there been a resolution of the arbitration or
the issues relating to the surcharge?
Mr. Vilarello: Officially, no, Commissioner, there's been no resolution, although the
financing of the stadium contemplate a legislative change which would resolve those
49 March 15, 2001
issues between the City and the County.
Commissioner Teele: How much money is the County withholding annually right now
from the City on the parking surcharge?
Mr. Gimenez: We estimate anywhere between two to three million dollars ($3,000,000).
Commissioner Teele: Over how much?
Mr. Gimenez: Anywhere between two and three million dollars ($3,000,000).
Commissioner Teele: So that's two or three million dollars ($3,000,000) annually?
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Who's the lawyer, by the way, that's in the lawsuit
against the City on behalf of the condo association of those people?
Mr. Vilarello: Representing the County, of course, is the County Attorney's office.
Representing the private individual, it is Tom Korge.
Commissioner Teele: Tom who?
Mr. Vilarello: Korge.
Commissioner Teele: Korge as in K -O -R -G -E?
Mr. Vilarello: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Regarding Water and Sewer fees, it's my understanding
that the County is charging now about a rate of return that's equal to about 10 to 12
percent, which comes up to about forty to fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) over and
above the indirect rate. It's my understanding that the FAA allows the County to charge
three percent for the FAA charges -- the indirect as it relates to the airport. The seaport is
approximately four to four and a half percent. And, yet, with Water and Sewer, it's well
over 12 percent, which comes in excess of about forty million dollars ($40,000,000) over
and above what the County would be legally able to charge if this were an airport. Have
we attempted at all to work out any agreement with the County regarding the Water and
Sewer funds?
Mr. Gimenez: That's one of the issues on the table, sir.
Commissioner Teele: Have we resolved any of the issues, other than -- I understand that
somebody is put on the issue, the Marine Stadium and Coconut Grove. Has the
Commission given an instruction on what the priority of those items would be?
50 March 15, 2001
Mr. Gimenez: Are you talking about the deed restrictions, sir?
Commissioner Teele: Yes.
Mr. Gimenez: No. You have not given a priority. That's also another -- something else
that's on the table.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Regarding the other issues regarding the outstanding
City and County issues. Are we going to enter into a (unintelligible) agreement with the
County, Mr. Attorney? Would that be a part of the legal structure by which -- I think it's
important that the -- even though we voted as a Commission that on this day, on March
15`h, we would address and we would get a report on the Manager on these outstanding
issues, again, I think it's important that we send the right signal to the Marlins because the
Marlins are sort of a third -party victim perhaps in all of this, but at the same time, we've
got issues that equal well over twenty to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) a year in
reoccurring payments, open issues. A clear indication that we are going to designate a
site, but we still intend to get these issues addressed. Mr. Attorney, can you, as a part of
the -- well, not as a part of this resolution, but as a separate resolution, again, underscore
the importance of the County Manager and the City Manager, perhaps, having some
discussion -- and, again, you know, we don't have to -- I think it's important that we again
to try to negotiate what's in the best interest of the citizens of this community, and it's not
one-upmanship but we need to at least I agree on things that we disagree on and move on
so that we can build a much closer and working relationship. Can you fashion a third
party -- a three -party agreement that will be accompanying this legislation, Mr. Attorney?
Mr. Vilarello: Yes, Commissioner. It was at least my recommendation to the
Commission that you adopt a resolution, which selects the site, and separately direct the
Manager to enter into three -party agreement between the Marlins, Miami -Dade County,
and the City, and in addition, give the Manager direction as to those issues which you feel
are important to be resolved and are critical for this City Commission to approve that
agreement when it's brought back to you, including issues as you've just suggested, and I
believe some of the Commissioners have other issues that they'd like to address, as well.
Commissioner Teele: All right. Well, if the majority of the Commission can accept
three -party agreement as outlined by the attorney, then I would like to address the issue at
hand. The Port counsel spoke one of the last speakers -- and I guess we should address
the issue of Ms. Mc Ailely and others who have spoken regarding the Charter of the City
and what restrictions may be imposed on this site. Ms. Mc Ailely made reference to a
50 -foot setback. Did your consultants -- by the way, Mr. Manager, I would also like to
commend your consultants for their work under very tight constraint. I'm very hopeful
that, again, that we can seek to engage more diversity in our consulting group. I'm still
hoping we can get barbecue from restaurants during hurricanes and emergencies that we
can get barbecue from restaurants that are within the City that reflect diversity, and I'm
just as hope ...
Mr. Gimenez: We're taking care of that.
51 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Teele: Huh?
Mr. Gimenez: We've taken care of that, sir.
Commissioner Teele: OK. We've got that taken care of. And I'm hopeful that we can --
although I do note the presence of Mr. Candela a noted architect and a minority of great
distinction of this community and nationwide -- world wide and I commend you for
having local presence on the team and I would hope that we can continue to look for
women as well as African-American professionals that have something to add. But in
this regard, I commend you for your team's efforts. But did your team look at the issue of
the setback, the 50 -foot setback and is that required by the Charter or is that required by
ordinance?
Mr. Gimenez: I don't believe that they factored in the 50 -foot setback. I'll ask them.
They did not.
Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner, it is a requirement of the City Charter to provide the 50 -
foot setback. To the extent the design may require a modification of that or an
encroachment on that. This City Commission has the right to modify after a public
hearing, on the issue, and can address that issue. But it is a Charter requirement.
Commissioner Teele: Well, as I heard from Ms. Mc Ailely and others, what they were --
seem to be saying is, in our rush to endorse and embrace the stadium, let us not forget or
overlook good planning principals and I'm hopeful that the Planning Department and the
other departments will be fully engaged in this process. Again, we want to be careful, at
least from my vantage point that we don't co design this stadium. I think it's really
important that the Marlins and the County to the extent that the County and the Marlins
are working together, have the full opportunity and the full range and we don't try to
impose a design on them. But I do think that we have to ensure that our code is going to
be acknowledged, in that their consultants are aware of our Code and our Charter.
Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner, if I can maybe more appropriately state it. The design will
have to have a 50 -foot setback, unless this City Commission, after public hearing, agrees
to some modification of that.
Commissioner Teele: Well, sort of begs the question. I don't want to start -- I don't think
any of us really want to start making exceptions to what our code is, so -- I mean, I don't -
- I think maybe it's enough that we had the public hearing that it's on the record, we all
are knowledgeable of it. We'll ask the Marlins and their consultants to take note of it.
But I did want to make sure that making those comments were brought into focus. The
other issue relates to, I think something that Commissioner Gort and the DDA
(Downtown Development Authority) have been trying to do for some three or four years,
and that is to bring more focus on to Miami River, and I know that the DDA has had
several initiatives. One of the concerns that I think we need to be mindful of,
Commissioner Winton, you represent the district, is that we don't allow this to become a
52 March 15, 2001
freight train because I can tell you right now, this are some scholars and financial green-
eyed shape guys and ladies, not only at the City but the County, who are going to be
looking for ways to open this thing up. I mean, you know, once you get a foot in the
door, you know, there's going to be a whole lot of issues. We've got the Miami Circle,
that's still being banded about out there. We've got, you know, the river clean up, and
what I don't want to see is the next thing being floated will be a proposal to create a tax
increment district or something, you know, under the guise of this. So, I think we need to
be very, very careful and we need to have these discussions right here, right now, before
some Gucci -driven lobbyist is sticking notes under everybody's door one by one by one
because I'm going to tell you, I've sat on both sides of this table, with the City and the
County, and I can tell you the Performing Arts Center deal is exhibit "A." It's exhibit
"A," and I have a conflict of interest, as a public official, because I was on the other side
of the table. But it's exhibit "A" of what the City should not want to sign on to. So,
Johnny, I'm particularly cautioning you, as the district Commissioner, because, you
know, all Gucci roads are going to lead to you, now that this thing is moving toward the
river, and this is not going to turn into a...
Commissioner Winton: Those Guccis seem to avoid me.
Commissioner Teele: Say again, sir.
Commissioner Winton: I said the Guccis seem to avoid my office. I don't know why that
is. But I don't see many of them in my office.
Commissioner Teele: Well. I'll 'splain (sic) it to you later. But you know, this thing
could turn into a freight train and we need to get very -- we need to all get on guard real
quickly before, you know, this thing gets loaded up because it will be another deal and
another deal, and one of the things, you know, that I'd like to come back and said is that
I'd like, in another -- at the next Commission meeting, I'd like to begin that discussion on
Biscayne -- on Bicentennial, because I would like to try to start loading up something so
that we can fund what we're going to do in Bicentennial. In other words, my priority is
not going to be to start adding up a whole lot of amenities on to this stadium now. My
priority is going to be to let's take care of Bicentennial now, and let's make this a world-
class facility. So, I wanted to make you aware that this Miami Circle -- the Miami River,
you know, and the next word you may hear will be tax increment or something, and that's
not going to go down very well with this Commissioner before we get started down that
road. Finally, the County staff -- and Mayor Penelas is still here -- the County staff is so
professional and absolutely -- from the DERM (Department of Environmental Resources
Management) director, who comes in like Dr. Know, but pleasant about it, who basically
convinced me that filling if the slip was not an idea that could happen overnight. I was
very, very much in favor of moving Biscayne Boulevard to the east, but it was after
meeting with the County staff, the DERM people, the MPO (Metropolitan Planning
Organization), and there are some really good professionals out here, and I think we
should listen to them. I think there is a real opportunity to make this river site work, but,
unfortunately, this is being handled, at this point, extremely superficially and I'm sure
we've got plenty of time to do it. But I would certainly hope that two things would be
53 March 15, 2001
closely considered by the Mayor of the County: First and foremost, the problem of the
Port has nothing to do really with the stadium, whether you build it on Bicentennial or
not. It's a matter of time before someone gets killed physically killed by a truck coming
down 2nd Avenue, going to the Port on 6th Street or 5th Street. It's just a matter of time.
Commissioner Winton: It's already happened. It's already happened.
Commissioner Teele: What do you mean, it's already happened?
Commissioner Winton: There's been several -- there was a college student killed not
long ago and there was a man in a wheelchair killed some time last year. So, it's not a
matter of time. It's past tense.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's happened already.
Commissioner Teele: Well, you know, obviously, I don't mean to be a profit of doom,
but the fact of the matter is, any fool can see that what we've created on 2nd Avenue,
particularly with the American Airlines Arena, particularly with Miami -Dade Community
College is insane to have those trucks moving down that road at that rate of speed, with
that kind of pedestrian mix. I would think that one of the things that we ought to look at
is to address one of the recommendations of the Port counsel and that is, to expedite an
interim solution to the Port traffic. Even though we're going to the river at this point, it's
just very clear to me that the County and the City the MPO process ought to work to
make this a high priority, and the second thing is the Miami River Station or the Miami
River site really should be conditioned as the MPO study, and we didn't make reference
to it, but there's a very good study done by the MPO. I think it's dated March the 9th, and
that MPO study basically highlights a new station -- stadium station at a cost of
approximately thirty-five million dollars ($35,000,000) and at federal -- at the federal 70
percent, 75 percent rate. It's something that's clearly something we should be doing, and
I would hope that, as we move down this, that we can look at this as a project that we can
work jointly with the City and the County to make this a world class, if you will, facility.
Building a Metrorail station there is something that should be a part of our
recommendation, going forward. I won't add anything on to this at this point. But I
would make note, again of the fact that this location begs for transportation solutions.
Johnny, I've heard you loud and clear on this issue. I'm going to take note of this, but I
want you to know that I really do believe that we're getting ready to do on Brickell what
was previously done in Kendall. You were right when you first got here; you said we
ought to stop of this development along Brickell until we could build a tunnel. This thing
has not been vetted. This thing has not been through. As a person who has a background
-- some background in transportation, I can tell you that this station -- this baseball
facility here is absolutely going to be a disaster unless, unless the City and the County
and the MPO process step in and begin right away to take some action. I don't see that
happening. I'm not going to take the lead on that because, again, it's just more dollars,
but I think we're getting ready to make a tremendous mistake without the transportation
infrastructure. I cannot support this location without the proper transportation
infrastructure. It sounded like a good idea to do what the County Commission did in
54 March 15, 2001
Kendall and now everybody running to Weston and Pembroke Pines. I mean, it was a
disaster and this station -- this baseball is going to wind up making property values go
down on Brickell not go up, and I cannot support it for that reason. So, I wanted to be
constructive, Johnny, particularly because I know you've hung out here very far on this,
but I also know that you came in here with the fresh attitude and idea that if we don't do
anything, we've got to build a tunnel, and I'm telling you, you've just justified a new
effort of discussion on this tunnel because this stadium is going to wind up being a
tremendous transportation nightmare to the residents of Brickell, and to the business
community along Brickell. But, you know, who am I? I'm just one vote, and...
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman?
Mayor Carollo: Go ahead, Commissioner.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, the issue on the table here is the site selection
and acquisition for the river site at a fair market value. So, if no one -- if there's no
further discussion, I would ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, I do.
Commissioner Sanchez: Would you ...
Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Mayor?
Commissioner Sanchez: If there's no further discussion, call the question.
Vice Chairman Gort: I like to -- if you don't mind, Commissioner Sanchez.
Commissioner Sanchez: No, not at all.
Vice Chairman Gort: Let me see. I think about a year and a half, two years ago, when the
Marlins came to the DDA we suggested this site. The reason we suggested it we were
willing to put money up front so they can do this study. The reason we suggested this
site because we thought it was a completion of the river walk that we've been talking for
10 or 15 years. This project gets that done. At the same time, I believe that the Orange
Bowl is very important. Commissioner Regalado, you had brought that up. The Orange
Bowl to us. It's got a great significance. I played at the Orange Bowl, so I personally
have a lot of history in that place. It's going to be rebuilt. It's not going to go abandoned
on the contrary. We can see this -- there's a new sport that's taken -- and it's the number
one sport in the world, which is soccer. We've seen the stadium and the soccer games
that we've had there turn out forty and fifty thousand people. And I'm sure the --
Commissioner Sanchez has been working very hard in trying to bring soccer back into
the Orange Bowl, and that's something that's going to happen. We're not going to
abandon the Orange Bowl. The river walk, this is something that is very important. That
land that exist there has been sitting there empty for 20 something years. This is what it's
going to take to complete the walk all the way to 2nd Avenue and then it will be up to us
55 March 15, 2001
and the City of Miami to continue from the City facility that we have and continue on
down to 5th Street, Northwest 5th Street. For all those reasons that I was very much in
favor of this site. I think this site -- and we can utilize this — we're making a decision
today, but I want later on the Manager to explain, if possible, the financing package that's
being put together is not an easy one. At the same time, I want people to know that 80 or
90 percent of the funding to be utilized for this package cannot be used for any other
source or for schools or after school programs. So, I think it's very important that we
could understand that. At the same time, I think this is a chance that the County, the City
and the state needs to work together. The only way we're going to accomplish the
financing package for this if we go as a team, all of us together. So, this -- Commissioner
Teele, I think you're right. This is the beginning, but we need to understand -- if we want
to continue to grow, want be a major County and a major City, we need to work as a
team, and I think this project could be the icon to begin all our work together, because let
me tell you people: After we approve this here today, we have lot of work to do to make
sure that we get that facility. Thank you.
Mayor Carollo: Commissioner Winton.
Commissioner Winton: I think plenty has been said.
Mayor Carollo: OK. Any further discussion?
(APPLAUSE)
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, call the question on the site selection, and then
we'll deal with the other resolution, negotiating -- directing the City Manager to
negotiating a multi ...
Mayor Carollo: Mr. Clerk, can you call the roll, please?
56 March 15, 2001
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its
adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-253
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION APPROVING
THE RIVERFRONT SITE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS THE MOST
APPROPRIATE SITE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STATE OF
THE ART BASEBALL STADIUM FOR THE MARLINS; DIRECTING
THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE PROPERTY
OWNER (S) OF THE SITE FOR ACQUISITION OF THE REQUIRED
LAND AT FAIR MARKET VALUE AND TO PRESENT THE
AGREEMENT (S), IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, TO THE CITY COMMISSION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
FOR CONSIDERATION.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City
Clerk.)
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Winton, the resolution was passed and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
ABSENT: None
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Clerk, Mr. City Attorney, could you read the resolution,
please, for the record?
Note for the Record: The resolution was read by title into the public record by the City
Attorney.
(APPLAUSE)
Commissioner Regalado: Mr. Chairman?
Mayor Carollo: Yes.
Commissioner Regalado: I'd like to introduce a motion to request that the City Manager
begin exploratory talks with the property owners, but not to make any commitment until
57 March 15, 2001
the Governor of the State of Florida signs into law the bill of the parking surcharge that is
now before committee in the state legislature.
Commissioner Winton: I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you well, Commissioner Regalado.
What did you say?
Commissioner Regalado: Basically, directing the Manager not to make any commitment
in terms of land buying until the Governor of the State of Florida signs into law the bill of
the parking surcharge. That is now moving through committees.
Commissioner Winton: Excuse me. It's hard for us to hear when -- can we do the
interviews outside, please?
Commissioner Regalado: So, that would be my motion. That is a motion.
Commissioner Sanchez: Well -- OK. I -- just for clarification, we just got over the first
hurdle, which was select a site, and now what we need to do is direct the City Manager to
start the negotiating process between the multiparty agreement and then, therefore, we
could go ahead and put conditions.
Mayor Carollo: That's correct.
Commissioner Sanchez: So, let's not put the cart in front of the horse here.
Commissioner Regalado: No, no, no, no, no, no. No. Remember, Joe, it has always
been a public relations issue, and we just need to tell the people of Miami that their
money has been invested in order to get a return, a return that we all know is going to go
over one thousand -- million dollars or something like that. What I'm saying is that to all
parties that the City Manager cannot commit funds of the City of Miami until the
Governor of the State of Florida signs the bill into law. It's not a timeline. It's just a
reminder that this is the revenue stream of the City.
Commissioner Winton: And, frankly, with that -- I understand now, Commissioner
Regalado. That does have to happen before we can move any of them because that's our
contribution to the land purchase. So, we can't close on the land until that piece of the
puzzle gets squared away.
Commissioner Sanchez: You're making that motion?
Commissioner Regalado: Yeah, I've made a motion.
Commissioner Sanchez: I'll second.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Mayor Carollo: This 's a motion. There's a second.
58 March 15, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: Friendly amendment to the motion. I think we should add all the
requirements that we have to this motion, not only that gets signed but there are many
other agreements that we have to have with the County, and we have to make sure that
we have that part of the motion.
Commissioner Sanchez: These motions could fall into this resolution -- fit in this
resolution. Mr. Chairman, could I propose a resolution?
Mayor Carollo: Absolutely.
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman...
Commissioner Winton: Now, is this the same resolution as Commissioner Regalado or
different one?
Commissioner Sanchez: It could be placed as a friendly amendment to this resolution, if
you want it to.
Commissioner Winton: OK.
Commissioner Regalado: But did we vote on this one or -- you want to amend that one?
Mayor Carollo: No. He's giving a substitute motion.
Vice Chairman Gort: He's opening the amendment to your resolution.
Mayor Carollo: No, no.
Commissioner Sanchez: No, no, no, no.
Mayor Carollo: He's doing a substitute motion.
Commissioner Sanchez: It's a resolution of the City of Miami Commission authorizing
the City Manager to negotiate a multi party agreement in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney, with the City of Miami, Miami -Dade County, and the Florida Marlins to set
forth the terms and conditions related to the construction of a state of the art baseball
stadium for the Florida Marlins; direct the City Manager to present the agreement to the
City Commission as soon as possible. So move.
Mayor Carollo: It's a motion that incorporates into that what was previously said. Is
there a second?
Vice Chairman Gort: Second.
Mayor Carollo: Seconded by Commissioner Gort.
59 March 15, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: This has to come back to us, whatever agreement you put together.
The resolution is authorizing you to sit down with the County, with the Marlins; come up
with a package that's got -- has to come back to us and be approved by us.
Mayor Carollo: Hearing no further discussion, all in favor signify by saying aye.
The Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
60 March 15, 2001
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Sanchez, who moved its
adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-254
A MOTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A MULTIPARTY AGREEMENT, IN A
FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH THE CITY
OF MIAMI, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, AND THE FLORIDA
MARLINS, SETTING FORTH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STATE OF THE ART
BASEBALL STADIUM FOR THE FLORIDA MARLINS; FURTHER
DIRECTING THE MANAGER TO PRESENT SAID AGREEMENT TO
THE CITY COMMISSION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; FURTHER
DIRECTING THE MANAGER TO DEFER ANY COMMITMENT IN
TERMS OF ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR THE FLORIDA MARLINS
BASEBALL STADIUM UNTIL THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF
FLORIDA SIGNS INTO LAW PROPOSED BILL IN CONNECTION
WITH THE PARKING SURCHARGE CURRENTLY BEING
CONSIDERED BY THE ASSIGNED STATE LEGISLATIVE
COMMITTEES.
Direction to the City Manager: by Commissioner Sanchez to look into
possibility of the following terms and conditions:
• Annual allocation of revenue from parking surcharge for the
maintenance and operation of the Orange Bowl.
• Marlins to agree to first source agreement of employment of City
residents, both in the construction and operation phases of the new
stadium.
• Agreement to be entered between the City and Miami -Dade County on
the parking surcharge litigation.
• Marlins to agree to sponsor five sporting events, one per district, for
inner-city children.
• No City of Miami funds should be expended until all funding sources
are identified and committed by all parties and the agreement has been
signed by all pertinent parties.
• Recommending that Johnny Winton throw out baseball pitch on
opening day home game of the Florida Marlins Baseball team.
61 March 15, 2001
Upon being seconded by Vice Chairman Gort, the motion was passed and adopted by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Carollo: It passes unanimously.
Commissioner Sanchez: Also, Mr. Chairman, in stating on that terms and conditions,
there are certain conditions that I would direct the City Manager to look into the
possibilities. One is an annual allocation of revenue to the Orange Bowl from the
maintenance and up keeping from the parking surcharge. An annual allocation directed
towards the Orange Bowl for maintenance and up keeping from the revenue from the
parking surcharge.
Commissioner Teele: I don't understand.
Commissioner Sanchez: It's just a term and condition that I -- in other words...
Commissioner Regalado: Is it a bill?
Commissioner Sanchez: Money coming in from the parking surcharge. When this is all
done, I would like to see this City put an allocation into the...
Commissioner Winton: I will second for the purpose of discussion.
Commissioner Teele: Yeah, but hold on one minute, Commissioner. Why do you want
to take that -- the parking surcharge right now belongs to the City. Why do you want to
bring the County in on the negotiating how you use your parking surcharge?
Commissioner Sanchez: It's just a motion.
Commissioner Winton: But it isn't bringing the County in, is it?
Commissioner Teele: Huh?
Commissioner Winton: You're not suggesting to bring the County into this...
62 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Teele: That's the motion.
Mr. Vilarello: It's a resolution.
Commissioner Sanchez: No, no, no, no, no. It's parking surcharge generated from the
stadium when this is all done. I want the City to allocate certain funds to the Orange
Bowl.
Mayor Carollo: If I can, -- if I could take a time out for a second. Are there any other
resolutions from this body that the Miami Marlins --
Commissioner Winton: Yes.
Mayor Carollo: -- feel that you need an addition to what we have right now?
Commissioner Winton: There is another motion here that we need to make for support
for the Manager.
Mayor Carollo: Miguel.
Mr. De Grandy: Mr. Mayor, Commissioners, the answer is no. We're very grateful for
the one you just passed.
Mayor Carollo: Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
Commissioner Winton:
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. Chairman, these are just suggestions to the City Manager to
look at, all right, and one of them is that the Marlins would agree to a first source
employment for the City residents, both in the construction aspect of it in the operation
aspect of the stadium. The other one is that what Commissioner Teele stated, that some
of the terms and conditions. An agreement must be entered between the City and the
County on the parking surcharge litigation. Also, the Marlins would agree to sponsor
five porting events, one per district, for inner-city children. And just as a safeguard, no
City of Miami funds should be expended until all funding sources are identified and
committed by all parties, and the agreement has been signed between the County and the
City and the Marlins. That's exactly what you suggested. These are just terms and
conditions that I'd like to present to the City Manager to consider.
Commissioner Sanchez: Oh, I have one more. I would like to make a motion to have
Johnny Winton throw the first pitch on the opening game of the year 2005.
(APPLAUSE)
63 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Winton: It has to be a team throw. This whole Commission has done this.
Johnny Winton has not. So, I'm not going with that you guys. On the parking surcharge
we were discussing that at some point. So, we're going to have -- well, maybe this is a
good time because I had a discussion -- I think everybody knows that philosophically I've
been opposed to the parking surcharge. I had a discussion both with the Mayor and the
Manager about the parking surcharge, and I've talked to people in the downtown
community because the fact of the matter is, this parking surcharge is the principally paid
for by the people who work and do business in downtown Brickell, Omni, and Coconut
Grove. And I asked the Manager and the Mayor to -- and told them that I would support-
- in fact, I would go to Tallahassee with them in support of extending the parking
surcharge City-wide, under one condition, and that condition would be that they do an
analysis to figure out what percentage of the parking surcharge -- and it would require a
rewriting of the law to identify a reasonable percentage -- and I'm not defining
reasonable. I'm letting them define reasonable and bring it to me -- but a reasonable
percentage of the parking surcharge that would be used to back into improving
infrastructure within those corridors. Because that's where all of our money is coming
from to pay for neighborhoods and we don't have a mechanism to pay for infrastructure,
which is a huge weakness. So, it seems to me to only be reasonable and fair that if we're
going to take the money from those people, (inaudible) feel pretty good if we have some
percentages that put back into that -- those communities in the form of infrastructure
improvements, and I've asked both to do that. And if and when we get that done, I will
go to Tallahassee also in support of this.
Commissioner Sanchez: Well, the reason why I brought that, Commissioner Winton, up
is because I think that the Orange Bowl is being left out, and if the City is going to be
able to bring in additional revenues toward the City, I think that -- you know, the Orange
Bowl, once again, continues to be left out in a way, and, you know, we're doing
everything we can as elected officials to try to bring more events into the Orange Bowl,
but apparently the Orange Bowl has always been a place that -- you know, money is only
put in there if they have to put money into it.
Commissioner Winton: Joe, I'm a huge supporter of the Orange Bowl. It's that stadium -
- when I lived in New Mexico -- I grew up in New Mexico -- every year -- unfortunately,
we don't play the game there anymore, but I'm a football fanatic and I always watched
from New Mexico the Orange Bowl game above all other ball games because it was
played in the sun with the palm trees -- I mean, the sun. In the -- might as well been the
sun because it was beautiful and it was warm and palm trees. I mean, it was just
gorgeous, and what a sales job. And I'm a huge supporter of the University of Miami
Hurricanes. I think we do need to do things to make sure that the Orange Bowl gets fixed
up. I'm just not sure that the parking surcharge is the vehicle we use yet.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Any -- we have...
Commissioner Sanchez: We've got to vote on it.
Vice Chairman Gort: On what?
64 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Winton: What are we voting on?
Vice Chairman Gort: What are we voting on?
Commissioner Sanchez: Mr. City Attorney, read the resolution.
Vice Chairman Gort: The motion was...
Mr. Vilarello: Mr. Chairman, the resolution was read by Commissioner Sanchez. We
have at least one item that's been addressed, and that's Commissioner Regalado's
suggestion that no dollars be expended until such time as the ...
Vice Chairman Gort: That's part of the -- that's an amendment to the resolution.
Commissioner Regalado: But that was the original resolution.
Mr. Vilarello: And now it's part of the resolution, which requires the City Manager to sit
down and enter into negotiations with the County and the Marlins.
Vice Chairman Gort: With all three parties.
Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner Teele, at the prior item, discussed a series of different
issues and I don't know whether y'all want to incorporate it into this motion, but this
would be the appropriate place, I believe.
Commissioner Regalado: I would also like -- sorry, Mr. Chairman.
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman, I would --
Vice Chairman Gort: Go ahead.
Commissioner Teele: -- certainly like to add -- not the specific items that were read off,
but instructing the Manager to negotiate those outstanding issues with the City, and the
County as a part of this agreement, and I think the Manager's in agreement with that.
Commissioner Regalado: Also, I would like for the community improvement agency to
be a part of the process. They have been very diligent in their work, and it's important
that we call this group to try to counsel the City on many issues, and, of course -- then
later on the construction or management of construction. So, role for the community
improvement agency, a role for the community improvement agency.
Vice Chairman Gort: You already read the resolution, with all the amendments
Commissioner Sanchez: Call the question.
65 March 15, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: Wait a minute.
Commissioner Winton: Well, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Vice Chairman Gort: We don't have a resolution. Let's let him call -- we have some
amendments that were made to the resolution.
Commissioner Regalado: It's a long resolution.
Vice Chairman Gort: Mr. Attorney, can you...
Commissioner Winton: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Winton: I want to make sure. This issue on the parking surcharge dollars
for Orange Bowl. Commissioner Sanchez, I'm not prepared to do that yet. I'm a huge
supporter of the Orange Bowl. Don't...
Commissioner Sanchez: Johnny, let me clarify for the record.
Commissioner Winton: OK.
Commissioner Sanchez: My thing are just suggestions to the City Manager.
Commissioner Winton: Not part of this resolution?
Commissioner Sanchez: No.
Commissioner Winton: OK. Thank you.
Commissioner Sanchez: The resolution itself is just to direct him
Vice Chairman Gort: That's why I would like for Mr. Attorney, please, let's read the
resolutions, with the amendments that were added to the resolution.
Mr. Vilarello: I'll give it a shot, Commissioner.
Commissioner Sanchez: It's the resolution that Commissioner Regalado...
Mr. Vilarello: If we can, Commissioner, it might be easier if we can just agree by
acclamation that all the issues that you all have discussed will be made a part of this
resolution, which is a resolution of the City of Miami Commission authorizing the City
Manager to negotiate a multi party agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney
with the City of Miami, Miami -Dade County, and the Marlins; to set forth the terms and
conditions related to the construction of state of the art baseball stadium for the Marlins;
66 March 15, 2001
directing the City Manager to present that agreement to the City Commission as soon as
possible for your consideration. With the comments that have been made by the City
Commission, I guess with the exception of the Orange Bowl and the parking surcharge
issue.
Vice Chairman Gort: Right. OK. Is that understood? OK. All in favor...
Commissioner Regalado: You're including the fact that the something is directed not to
spend any money?
Commissioner Teele: Yeah. Moved by Commissioner Regalado. Seconded by Teele.
OK.
Vice Chairman Gort: OK. Moved and second. Any further discussion? Being none, all
in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Regalado, who moved its
adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-255
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE A
MULTIPARTY AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE
CITY ATTORNEY, TO INCLUDE THE CITY OF MIAMI, MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY AND THE MARLINS SETTING FORTH THE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A STATE OF
THE ART BASEBALL STADIUM FOR THE MARLINS,
CONTINGENT UPON (1) RESOLVING TO THE CITY'S
SATISFACTION ALL FINANCIAL ISSUES PENDING BETWEEN
THE CITY AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, AND (2) DEFERRING
EXPENDITURES FOR LAND ACQUISITION PENDING FINAL
APPROVAL BY THE GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA OF LEGISLATION
EXTENDING THE AUTHORIZATION FOR A PARKING
SURCHARGE; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO
CONSIDER THOSE ISSUES SET FORTH BY THE CITY
COMMISSION DURING ITS SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION
MEETING HELD MARCH 15, 2001; AND DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO PRESENT THE AGREEMENT TO THE CITY
COMMISSION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City
Clerk.)
67 March 15, 2001
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Teele, the resolution was passed and adopted by
the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
68 March 15, 2001
Vice Chairman Gort: Do I have a motion to adjourn?
Commissioner Winton: No. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Vilarello: No.
Commissioner Winton: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes.
Commissioner Winton: We've given the Manager some pretty serious responsibilities
here, and that is to not only negotiate the tri -party agreement, but to negotiate the
purchase of the land, and I think that -- I think he needs resources in order to do that.
He's asked me to bring this resolution before us, which I completely agree with. This is a
resolution of the City of Miami Commission by a four-fifths affirmative vote, directing
the City Manager to execute Amendment Number 1 to an exiting agreement in a form
acceptable to the City Attorney, with Legg Mason Real Estate Services, Inc. authorized
pursuant to Resolution Number 01-135, to increase the scope of duties and
responsibilities whereby Legg Mason or subcontractors approved by the City Manager
may negotiate and provide other services required for the acquisition and financing of the
Florida Marlins state of the art baseball stadium; further authorizing the City Attorney to
engage a law firm to provide legal services for such purposes; allocating funds in an
amount not to exceed two hundred thousand for said consulting services and a hundred
thousand for legal services from account code number --
Mr. Vilarello: Last four digits.
Commissioner Winton: -- 6.270. So moved.
Commissioner Winton: Second.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been a motion and a second. Discussion?
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Discussion.
69 March 15, 2001
Commissioner Teele: Can we bring that -- can I get that in writing and bring that up?
We've got a meeting in one week, right?
Mr. Vilarello: Two weeks.
Commissioner Winton: Oh, we do?
Vice Chairman Gort: No. Next week. Next two weeks. Two weeks, right.
Mr. Vilarello: We changed that.
Commissioner Winton: We changed next week to the week after.
Commissioner Teele: How much money are we -- you know, I'm not -- I'd like to read it.
Mr. Gimenez: It's two hundred thousand for consulting services and a hundred thousand
for legal fees. I just feel that we need to get these people on board right away and help us
in all aspects of the negotiations and the land acquisition because I feel that the
negotiations, you know, are going to start right away. They will be our advisors and they
understand the business, and they will protect the interest of this City.
Commissioner Teele: Who is the law -- what law firm?
Mr. Vilarello: Commissioner, at this point I have not selected a law firm. However, I'll
be more than happy to report back to you at the next City Commission meeting for your
approval of the firm to be selected.
Commissioner Teele: I have no objection.
Commissioner Winton: Well, I don't think we have a second.
Commissioner Sanchez: Yes, I seconded it.
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes. It's been moved and second.
Commissioner Winton: Oh, I'm sorry.
Vice Chairman Gort: It's been moved and seconded. Any further discussion?
Commissioner Teele: Mr. Chairman?
Vice Chairman Gort: Yes, sir.
Commissioner Teele: I would reiterate to the Manager my comments, and, you know, I -
- again, I don't think anybody should ever be retained that does not have competence and
bring value. Competence and value. But I think within that women and African
70 March 15, 2001
Americans, as well as Hispanics and others should be very much a part of this. And call
the question.
Mr. Gimenez: Yes, sir.
Vice Chairman Gort: All in favor state by saying "aye."
The Commission (Collectively): "Aye."
The following resolution was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved its
adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. 01-256
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION BY A FOUR-
FIFTHS (4/5 THS) AFFIRMATIVE VOTE, DIRECTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AN EXISTING
AGREEMENT, IN A FORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY
ATTORNEY, WITH LEGG MASON REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC.
("LEGG MASON"), AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION
NO. 01-135, TO INCREASE THE SCOPE OF DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES WHEREBY LEGG MASON OR
SUBCONTRACTORS APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER MAY
NEGOTIATE AND PROVIDE OTHER SERVICES REQUIRED FOR
THE ACQUISITION AND FINANCING OF THE MARLINS STATE
OF THE ART BASEBALL STADIUM; FURTHER AUTHORIZING
THE CITY ATTORNEY TO ENGAGE A LAW FIRM TO PROVIDE
LEGAL SERVICES FOR SUCH PURPOSE; ALLOCATING FUNDS,
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000, FOR SAID
CONSULTING SERVICES, AND $100,000 FOR SAID LEGAL
SERVICES FROM ACCOUNT CODE NO. 001000.921002.6.270.
(Here follows body of resolution, omitted here and on file in the Office of the City
Clerk.)
71 March 15, 2001
Upon being seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, the resolution was passed and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Vice Chairman Gort: Do I have a motion to adjourn?
Commissioner Winton: So moved.
The following motion was introduced by Commissioner Winton, who moved it's
adoption:
MOTION NO. 01-257
A MOTION TO ADJOURN TODAY'S SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING.
Upon being seconded by Vice Chairman Regalado, the motion was passes and adopted
by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Tomas Regalado
Commissioner Joe Sanchez
Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr.
Commissioner Johnny L. Winton
Vice Chairman Wifredo Gort
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Vice Chairman Gort: Thank you. Have a good one.
72 March 15, 2001
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE CITY
COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:47 PM.
ATTEST:
Walter Foeman
CITY CLERK
Sylvia Lowman
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
JOE CAROLLO
MAYOR
(S E A L)
73 March 15, 2001